Track teams take down Peabody, Saugus

Girls finish in three-way tie for NEC title

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Both the Marblehead boys and girls indoor track teams beat Saugus and Peabody at the brand new Track at New Balance complex in Brighton on Jan. 22.

As a result of the girls’ win, the Magicians (8-1) catapulted into a three-way tie for first place in the Northeastern Conference with Peabody and Beverly. They defeated the Tanners (71-15) and the Sachems (81-5) to get back on top.

The Marblehead boys (8-1) topped Peabody in a close meet, 47-39, and the Sachems, 79-6.

Boys 55-meter hurdles

The battle for the top hurdler in the conference was at stake in this event, with Alex Hersey taking first overall in the tri-meet.

Errol Apostolopoulos finished second in the dual meet and third overall with an 8.99.

Marc Grazado completed his quest for his sub-10-second goal. He finished his first New Balance meet last month with a 10.2, and returned at this meet to break the tape in 9.82.

Girls 55-meter hurdles high jumpers in the country.

Devin Whalen and Claire Davis finished first and second in the dual meet and second and third overall with times of 9.34 and 9.42, respectively.

Elise Burchfield was third in the dual meet and ninth overall with a time of 10.32.

“I may sound like a broken record, but this group has dominated the NEC all season, and it will be exciting to see them in the championship meet,” said coach Nolan Raimo.

Boys 55-meters

Thomas Carlson finished on top in the dual meet and fifth overall with a time of 7.05, a significant improvement from the last New Balance meet (7.17).

Matt Mahan was 19th overall (7.42) and Ethan Horgan 25th (8.09).

Girls 55-meters

Ava Machado completed the regular season undefeated in this event with a time of 7.73, and it was the fastest time at the track on this day.

Sadie Halpern was second overall with a time of 7.88, a huge drop from her previous best time at New Balance (8.07).

Gabby Hendy ended up fourth in the dual meet and 10th overall with a time of 8.18.