Spring Track Athletes to Watch

As GHS begins its Outdoor Track co-op with Manchester-Essex, here are some of the top athletes to watch out for this season. These athletes will be critical in GHS’ journey to the division title and state level meets. 

Athletes to Watch 

Boys 

Andrew Coelho – Coming off a productive indoor season, senior captain Andrew Coelho is looking to continue this form this spring. After winning the 600m at the Northeastern Conference Championship, Coelho went on to place 3rd at the MIAA Division 4 Championship in the 600m, competed at All-States, and ran the 800m leg at New Balance Nationals Indoor in the Sprint Medley Relay. He’s looking to return to the national stage and has high expectations for this spring. 

Nick Poulin– After an 11th place (16:19) finish at the Division 2 Championship during cross country, senior captain Nick Poulin’s winter track season was cut short due to a stress fracture. After a lengthy recovery, the Bryant commit looks to make some noise this season in the mile and 2 mile. In 2021, Poulin placed 5th in the NEC championship meet in the 2 mile and recorded a 4:42 split in the 1600 leg of the Distance Medley Relay this winter. 

Aidan Almeida – Captain Aidan Almeida is coming off a strong indoor season. He was a part of the Sprint Medley Relay team that competed at New Balance Nationals this winter. A top sprinter who also has expertise in high jump is looking to continue his success. His main events consist of the 100m, 200m, 4×100, and high jump. Almeida was named MVP of the team last spring, earning the most points among the team in dual meets. He did not compete in the first meet of the season due to injury but looks to bounce back strongly in the upcoming weeks. 

Colby Rochford– The Stephen B. Ross recipient, Colby Rochford has proved himself as one of the strongest mid-distance runners, clocking in a 53.32 400m, 2:04 800m, and a 2:42 1000m 5th place finish at divisionals. Rochford’s 400m split that he ran at Boston University, played a major role in helping the SMR team qualify for nationals. He is also coming off an All-State cross country season, with a PR of 17:15 in the 5k. Rochford has very high expectations this spring, even as an underclassman. 

Anthony Simonelli – With the loss of Luke Walkama, GHS found their next big man in Anthony Simonelli, who has emerged as the team’s top shot putter. In his debut last Tuesday, Simonelli threw for a team-best 37’ 06’’ and placed second. As the season progresses, Simonelli will become a critical part of the throws lineup. 

Girls

Darcy Muller – The returning Northeastern Conference 400m champion, senior captain Darcy Muller is an athlete to watch on the girls’ side. After recovering from a severe concussion in the winter, Muller is entering the spring season stronger than ever. Against Marblehead in the first dual meet of the season, Muller placed 1st in the shot put and the 200m dash. She also came in second in long jump with her jump of 16’¼‘’. She is a versatile sprinter who is also very talented at a variety of field events. Muller is coming for the school record 400m time of 58.64, set by Leah Rudolph, this spring. 

Caelie Patrick – Caelie Patrick is entering her sophomore year after a very productive freshman season. The 2021 Northeastern Conference 800m Champion, Patrick also placed 2nd in the 1000m at the Cape Ann Championship this winter, running an impressive time of 3:10.71. She has some high expectations that she looks to work towards this season. 

Caroline MacKinnon – Gloucester has a strong core of mid-distance/distance runners on the girls’ side with Caroline MacKinnon. The junior placed 2nd in the 600m at the Cape Ann Championship with a strong time of 1:40.82. She also won the first dual meet of the season in the 800m against Marblehead with a statement win and a time of 2:30. She looks to continue this form throughout the spring. 

Sarah Baker – The throwing team is represented by senior captain Sarah Baker on the girls’ side. The javelin specialist threw a nice score of 69’06’’ and earned 2nd place overall with this throw. Baker was an inch off the GHS javelin record of 88’11’’ last spring, with her PR of 88’10’’. She is coming for this record this spring and looks to build off the season opener. 

Head Coach David Coleman acknowledges the talent and performances of these athletes and is excited for the growth of the team. “Coming off a performance at indoor nationals, we’re looking forward to a very competitive season we’re looking at a chance to win the division.”

Their next meet is against Salem on Wednesday. Their next meet after this NEC clash is a state-level meet on Saturday, April 16th, at the Ottoviani Invitational. These athletes are going to face heightened competition at this state-level meet, a great opportunity to get FAT (Fully Automatic Timing) times early in the season.