Boys Track Team Continues to Progress

Even if the results haven't always shown in the standings, the Wilmington boys track team has been running strong this season and hopes to continue improvement as postseason meets approach.

The Wildcats were 1-3 heading into last night's meet in Wakefield, though two of those losses came by single digit points.

Against Melrose on January 2, head coach Mike Kinney's charges were victims of photo finishes in the dash and hurdles, and as a result suffered a 43.5-42.5 setback.

In another Recent meet with Stoneham, Wilmington put together a strong showing before falling, 46-40.

"Despite the close setbacks, I am very pleased with how our young team has progressed," said Kinney. "We have had outstanding performances in every event and we have several state qualifiers."

Among those qualifiers is junior Steve Halas, who Kinney said has dominated Middlesex League action. Halas is qualified for the state meet in the 600 meter run, 1,000 meter run, one mile run and 4x400 relay.

Halas currently owns a league best time of 1:25.87 in the 600, a time that is also one of the best in the state. The junior has not lost in league competition.

The 4x400 relay team of Pat Berry, Andrew Sears, Dave Swider and Halas has a season best time of 3:41, good for a state meet berth. The 4x800 squad will join them there as well.

Sears and Swider are qualified in the 1,000 meter run with matching times of 2:47, Erik Alatalo in the one mile run at 4:48 and Eric Jaeschke in the 300 meter even with a time of 38.74 seconds.

Senior captain Andrew Fino is close to qualifying in the 300 meter run.

"(Fino) has done an outstanding job keeping the team focused and motivated in practice," said Kinney.

In addition to the dual meets, last Sunday the freshman and sophomores competed in the Auerbach Freshman/Sophomore MSTCA meet in Boston against Division 3 and 4 schools. Eli Jennings received a gold medal at this event in the shot put with a throw of 43'4".

"As for expectations for the rest of the season, I feel as though several individuals as well as the 4x800 and the 4x400 relay team will continue to perform exceptionally and could do well at the league championship meet and the state meet," said Kinney.