In their closest meet in two years, the boys track team defeated Milton by a score 51-44. There were many notable performances; Zach Ganshirt broke the 1000m school record with a “blistering time” of 2:35.68. Also, newcomer PJ Hayes, in his first race, recorded the second best 55m time in school history with a time of 6.71 seconds. This “win against Milton was a big one and gives us at least a share of the Herget title” said Joey Petruzziello, a strong senior contributor to Kevin Butera’s successful squad.
The Rebels got a much needed boost from runners Justin Connolly and Petruzziello, who each returned from their own respective leg injuries. Both runners did not miss a beat; Connolly came in first in the mile, and Petruzziello grabbed second in the 55m with a PR time of 7.0 seconds. The Rebels may have not won the meet without these two and as Murtagh said “it’s good to get them back because we are going to need them down the stretch.”
There was a shakeup in the lineup, because Bill Rockwood switched from the 55m to the 300m. Rockwood excelled running a PR of 39.40 seconds. Ricardo Simeon and Aidan Lancaster continued their surprising success coming in second and third in the shot put.
The mile runners did exceptionally well, having five runners record personal records. Those runners were Will Whearty, Mike Van der Linder, John Barry, Joe Keough, and Jimmy Martin. Other notable PR’s were Nick Culhane in the 600, Pat Connell in the 1000, and Aram Andonian in 55. Also, the 4×400 team; Zach Ganshirt, Connor McCarthy, John Kelland and Bryan Rockwood, ran a 3:40.20 which was enough to qualify for the postseason.
This was a huge win for the Rebels. Connor McCarthy congratulated his team by saying how they “have worked hard to get where we are”, but realizes that they “have to work harder to stay at the top.” Up next for the Rebels is rival Norwood.
More switches are coming for the Rebels for their meet against Norwood. Aram Andonian and Aidan Lancaster will be running the 55m, along with Petruzziello and Hayes. Also, Hayes and Petruzziello will be attempting the Long Jump alongside McCarthy. This leaves Murtagh participating in the High Jump by himself.
The Rebels are going with a different but still talented roster and will hopeful continue their winning season and run over Norwood.
