![The GHS/MERHS senior cross country runners pose together on Senior Night. [Photo courtesy of Manchester-Essex Athletics]](https://thegillnetter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-10-at-11.18.29-AM.png)
Yesterday, Manchester Essex Cross Country fell to a talented Hamilton Wenham team.
Taking place at the beautiful Patton Park, Hamilton Wenham’s course spans across sprawling grass fields and dirt paths shaded by autumn trees. On the outskirts of the park, a short wooded trail is added on to the last loop of the course. In the middle of the trail, runners are hit with the infamous “bump”– unfortunately a misnomer, as this hill is so steep that most walk up the second half.
The girls ran first. Amidst the crisp autumn breeze, the Generals took a fast start. Though Manchester’s runners started out behind the entire Hamilton-Wenham squad, they were able to put up a good fight for top spots. But as the team with multiple state champion runners, Hamilton-Wenham’s top girls all came in well under 20 minutes, an outstanding feat for a 2.8 mile race.
Anna Sergi, Manchester’s top runner, performed excellently as well, securing fourth place at a time of 21:17. Ruby McElhenny from Gloucester came in next with a time of 21:45. The Senior finished with an all-out kick against a well-matched Hamilton-Wenham runner, beating her by only fractions of a second.
Close behind Manchester’s top two were Senior Captain River Silva (21:56), Freshman River Martin (22:01), and Sophomore Captain Kalin Bennet with a season best of 22:05. The final score for the girls was 43-15, Generals.
“The times were a reflection of our efforts,” Silva said. “Although we didn’t win, we all tried our best.”
After the gun went off for the boys, the Hornets got out fast, setting the pace for a competitive race against a well-matched Hamilton Wenham squad. Although both teams fought a hard battle, the Generals were able to secure the crucial top spots of first, second and third. Lyall Cunningham, a team Captain and experienced Senior from Gloucester, finished just seconds after in fourth place. He was followed by Gloucester Senior Jeferson DoCarmo in fifth, then Manchester Sophomore Isaiah Nicastro. The final score for the boys was 32-23, Generals.
Though it was a close loss, Cunningham expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performances. “It was nice to know that we finished with our best efforts,” he said. “I’m really proud of the boys.”
The Hornets cross country team will host Ipswich next Wednesday for their final dual meet of the season.
