After a heartbreaking 70-66 loss to Natick in the final meet of the 2014 regular season, Walpole Boys Track and Field (4-3) wants revenge. This loss broke their six-season streak of finishing atop the Bay State Herget league, and they want it back.

They have the same goals as years past: win the Herget, qualify as many individuals for Divisionals and All-States, and improve as a team and individually throughout the season.

“The team looks promising this year,” said senior Captain Bryan Kelleher. “With our [cross country] state championship distance squad and the talent of sprints and mid distance, I am fairly confident we have a strong shot at regaining the Herget title.”

With the loss of graduates Mike St. Germain, the team’s top hurdler, and throwers Jon Rockwood, Robbie Lederman, and Mike Williams, the team has some ground to make up in the sprints and throws. Kelleher and Senior Captains Bergomi Francois and Ben Sacco are all coming off superb winter seasons and could have the skills to fill these holes.

“Our strengths have shifted a little bit and we have more depth in some events that we normally don’t,” said Head Coach Kevin Butera. “We’ve won Herget titles in the spring in six of the last seven years, so there is certainly an expectation that they boys will be in the hunt again.”

The rise of the distance and mid distance teams will also aid the team. After losing Pat Connell, Anthony DiVirgilio, Jon Kelland, and Mikey Van der Linden, four state-caliber athletes, to graduation, the team needed runners to step up and improve. Sophomores Luke Berardinelli and Jack Kennefick and juniors Eamon McCarthy, Nick Ricci, and Andrew Wheeler, key point scorers in winter, will be called upon to fill big shoes this year.

“I think it’s safe to say that the team is seeking vengeance on Natick this year,” said Kelleher. “Every day in practice you can see the determination to earn back our Herget title in each and every individual.”