Boys track and field wins NEC South title

GHS boys track and field clinched the NEC South title for the first time since 2016. The boys have come a long way, especially considering the fact that 2 years ago they didn’t win a single indoor track meet all season.

Gloucester hosted Salem at Newell Stadium for the last winter track meet of the season. Honoring the seniors on senior night, this was a very special meet for many. Not only did all the seniors get honored, but the boys closed out an undefeated season against other league teams, clinching the NEC South title

It’s been 5 years since the Boys Gloucester High Track and Field program have brought home an NEC title. The 2021 team has accomplished this in a very chaotic time for student athletes. Having to adapt to everything that’s happening around them, including the “hybrid” schedule for school, not being able to have an outdoor season last spring, and having to compete in a modified season this year, this team has showed severe determination. This team was led by captains Owen Hardy, Harrison Pelosi, Kai DeGuzman, Kyle Clifford, and Andrew Coelho. 

This NEC title was won with their win against Salem on their last meet of the season. On April 15th, Gloucester hosted Salem at Newell Stadium where they boys took care of business with a 61-14 win. The seniors were honored in a ceremony prior to the meet and these 9 athletes were Capt. Hardy, Capt. DeGuzman, Capt. Pelosi, Anthony Rodriquez, Michael Cassettari, Trevor Fulford, Michael Moffett, and Capt.Rumi Thomas. 

The boys swept the shot put, 55m dash, and the 600m. In the shot put Leo Vitale got first, Cassettari placed 2nd, and DeGuzman came in third. DeGuzman also placed first in the 55m dash with Treely Dowd and Ryan Blatchford coming in 2nd and 3rd. In the 600m, Coelho led the way with Tommy Elliott coming in second and Daniel Hafey in third. Coelho also placed 2nd in high jump. Hardy and Nick Poulin dominated the 1000m together, with Hardy beating Poulin by less than a second to secure first and second place. 

Deston Cauthers ended the season with another impressive race, breaking the 5 minute mark in the mile. Clifford also came in third in the mile. In the 55m hurdles, Fulford and Moffett raced each other, placing 1 and 2 as Fulford pulled away and edged out the win by 0.1 seconds. Sam Ashwell and Charles King got 2nd and 3rd respectively in the 300m dash. There were 2 relay teams that competed in the 4×400 relay that consisted of all seniors to finish their senior season. 

The GHS Track and Field team looks to continue this success in their outdoor season this spring.