Track teams split opener against Stoughton

By Mike Berger

In two very close meets, the Canton High boys’ indoor track team edged the Stoughton Black Knights 48-47, but the girls’ team lost 50-44 in opening dual meet action on Saturday, December 17.

According to head coach Ben Mattson, the boys’ team had tied Stoughton in each of the past two years and was very pleased with the close win.

The Bulldogs were trailing 44-42 going into the high jump, but they picked up first and third to seal the victory. Cam Huber led the way with three first-place finishes — in the 600, high jump, and 4×400 relay. Obi Nwankwo won the 300 and was also part of the winning 4×400 relay. Derek Seto finished second in the 55-meter dash and third in the high jump and long jump. Jake Fruci had a big win in the 1,000, followed by teammate Mike Rota in a photo finish.

For the girls’ team, Mellyn Costello won the high jump and Courtney Loughnane won the 1,000-meter race. Loughnane also placed second in hurdles and third in both the two-mile and 55-meter dash. Other wins were recorded by Michaela Kelly in the 600 and Vickie Tondre in the long jump and 300. Tondre was also a key runner in the winning 4×400 relay along with Kelly, Jackie Merrigan, and Kellie Stigas.

Both teams will now practice until the next meet against Foxboro on December 28.

Both the boys and girls will share a head coach and several assistants this winter in a trial experiment, approved by the School Committee and CHS AD Danny Erickson. Mattson, the head coach, has coached several girls’ indoor and outdoor teams as well as this year’s girls’ cross country team.

To date, a total of 80 students (45 girls and 35 boys) have come out for the team, which is an increase of ten from last season.

The team will also have new destinations for home meets, alternating between Boston University and the Reggie Lewis Track Center in Boston. There will be several JV meets this year, all held at Franklin High.

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