NORTH ANDOVER — It was a moment 28 years in the making.
Finally, after nearly three decades leading the North Andover High girls track program, Rick DelleChiaie was a Division 2 state champion.
“It’s tough to find words to describe my feelings,” said DelleChiaie. “I’ve been head coach for 28 years and this is the first divisional state championship we have ever won. I am so proud of this group of girls. They performed above and beyond my expectations. We scored points in bunches and were able to hang on for the win. It was an amazing two days.”
Led by a single individual victory, and a wealth of depth, North Andover surged to victory at the MIAA Division 2 Championship with 79 points, edging hard-charging Wellesley (76 points) on Saturday at Merrimack College.
The divisional title was the first on the track — outdoors or indoors — for DelleChiaie, who has served as Scarlet Knights girls spring track head coach since 1997 and winter head coach since 1998.
It is also believed to be the first girls track divisional title in North Andover High history.
And the emotions were clear as DelleChiaie was mobbed by his team, holding the championship trophy.
“It’s been a long journey,” said DelleChiaie, whose North Andover girls cross country team did win a Division 2 title in 2008. “Our track teams have won every other title multiple times, just not this one. We were runner-up three times, and COVID cheated us out of a possible state title back in 2020.
“This team sacrificed some wins early in the season as we figured out how we were going to position athletes for the big meets at the end, and I’m happy for them that their sacrifice was rewarded. I’ve had some nice wins in my career, but this might top them all.”
The championship was a deeply meaningful one for a man that bleeds North Andover Scarlet and Black. A North Andover grad (class of 1983) and longtime English teacher at his alma mater, DelleChiaie first started coaching at the school when he was still a student at UMass Lowell.
His athletes knew what the title means to their coach, and were overjoyed to bring him the crown.
“This is all thanks to coach Delle, who has led us to this victory,” said Scarlet Knights senior Samantha Schwartz, who placed third in the 400 (59.14), fifth in the 400 hurdles (1:09.10) and sixth in the discus (102-1). “Reaching this milestone for him made it even more special. Our team has such a strong bond and passion that is rare to see. This win means so much because it’s a true representation of all of our hard work that we have put in as a team, led by coach Delle.”
North Andover won the the weekend’s title through gritty determination — earning just the one solo win and 11 more top-six finishes.
And the Scarlet Knights credited that depth and perseverance to their coach.
“I’ve been a captain for coach Delle in cross country, indoor and outdoor track,” said senior Hannah Shea. “Coach Delle has also been a teacher of mine for the past two years, so I know that he sees the kind of work we have put in every day in practices and meets, and he is proud that our dedication shined during the meet this weekend. This team worked together and grew together and won a state title for each other and our coach. We were finally able to show our true efforts and strengths, and I know that means the world to Coach Delle!”
Gosselin dazzles for Knights
The star on the track for North Andover on the way to the Division 2 title was sophomore Eleanor Gosselin.
She scored the Scarlet Knights’ lone individual victory — in the pole vault (9-6) — and was second in the 100 hurdles (15.59) on Day 2 after finishing runner-up in the pentathlon (2,674) during Thursday’s Day 1.
“It was truly amazing, said Gosselin, who topped teammate and runner-up Kayla Coolidge (9-0) in the pole vault. “I’ve been doing pole vault and hurdles for only a couple of months now, so getting my PR in both and the title is something that I would have never thought of getting. I am beyond happy to see all my hours at the track paying off. My teammates have pushed me to be the best athlete I can be and I owe a lot to them.
“Being a part of this team, this family, has given me the opportunity to meet my best friends. The cheering from the sidelines, endless hugs after new PRs and overall love that comes from them have helped me to accomplish my goals and have so much success.”
Added DelleChiaie of his budding star: “Nelly Gosselin was a one woman wrecking crew with her first and two seconds in her three events. Amazing.”
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