The outdoor season may still be young, and weather not exactly spring-like, but there’s a “big meet” feel around the local track community this weekend.
When the Haverhill Ottaviani Track Invitational arrives, the season has officially begun.
“The Invitational is by far one of my favorite meets of the year,” said Haverhill’s Maddie Goncalves, who set the meet record in the girls shot put (37-5) last year. “I strive to do well at this meet in honor of Coach O (retired Haverhill coach John Ottaviani). The Invitational is such a positive representation of the Haverhill track team as a whole. Everyone is supporting each other all day, and the excitement never dwindles.”
On Saturday, Haverhill will host the 45th Annual Ottaviani Invitational at the Hillies’ Sapienza Memorial Track.
“The Haverhill Invitational is without a doubt my favorite meet out of both the indoor and outdoor seasons,” said Haverhill’s Connor Chmieleski, who was fourth in the shot put last year (42-3). “So many schools come, and get to see how great Haverhill and its track program is. It’s a great meet, run by great people and I’m excited to compete in it. I’m sure there is going to be a lot of great athletes to compete against against. I’m excited and I hope to perform to the best of my ability.”
Added fellow Hillies shot putter Myles Robertson, who was third last year (43-4.5), “I’m very excited to compete again in one of the premiere spring events. It’s in honor to represent Coach O. I’ve heard so much about how much he did, not only for track but Haverhill athletics as the athletic director when my parents went to Haverhill High in the 1990’s.”
And it’s not just Haverhill athletes that love it. North Andover’s Makenna Dube is thrilled to be back after missing out on last spring’s Ottaviani Invitational.
“I’m actually really excited because I didn’t get the opportunity last year due to a band trip to Chicago,” aid Dube. “This meet is one that I really enjoyed sophomore year, because the level of competition and organization is astounding. It will definitely push me to improve early in the season, and help me get a feel for what’s to come. Also, I can’t wait to reconnect with my friends and peers, some of whom I haven’t seen since last year!”
It’s a little extra special for North Andover, since members of John Ottaviani’s family have competed for the Scarlet Knights.
“With some of the Ottavianis as members of the North Andover track team, this meet means a lot to us,” said North Andover distance standout Luke McGillivray. “It should be a very exciting meet with lots of competition that will translate into some fast times and great performances. I will be running the mile, and I’m excited to get a benchmark time to see where my fitness is at. This definitively marks the start of my favorite running season, spring track.”
Methuen star Lauren Quarm made a major statement last spring as a freshman, setting the Ottaviani (automatic-timed) 100-meter dash record in 12.31.
“I’m extremely excited for this meet, ready to pick up from where I finished last season,” said Quarm. “I’m going into this meet full of energy and fun. I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
Two Raiders return this spring after setting meet records last season — Macy Daigle in the high jump (5-2) and Anya Neira in the 200 (automatic-timed 26.66).
“I’m super excited because it will be a good chance to compete with some strong girls and show off the hard work being put it,” said Neira. “We’re looking forward getting the unofficial season off on a high note!”
Andover high jumper Harvey Lys, who won the Division 1 title in the winter, has his eyes on making some history.
“Coming off a great indoor season I’m hoping to keep my momentum going and start off strong individually by going for the meet record (6-8),” said Lys, “and hopefully lead my team to a win.”
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