Rain showers that blew through the Merrimack Valley on Friday left North Andover High’s track wet and slick.
But that couldn’t stop Argenis Luciano from unleashing one of the greatest discus throws in Eagle-Tribune area history.
The Lawrence High record-setter delivered a momentous throw of 164-9 to win the discus — one of two dominant performances by a Lancer at the MSTCA Invitational on Friday.
“It down-poured on us, so the circle was very slippery,” said Luciano. “But after adjusting my footing, I was able to send one throw out there. It showed me what I’m capable of.”
That throw is the fourth longest in Eagle-Tribune area history, three spots behind Luciano’s all-time area record of 170-2 that he recorded last spring.
And with big wins on Friday and at Haverhill’s Ottaviani Invitational last week (156-7), Luciano is targeting his record.
“I’m still building,” said Luciano, who also took third in the shot put (49-11.5) on Friday. “I’m glad I was able to connect my form today. I’m definitely happy with my performance.”
Two golds for Reinoso
Who owns the fastest 400-meter in Massachusetts so far this spring?
None other than Lawrence’s Cristian Reinoso.
The Lancer senior ran a blazing 49.43 to win the 400 at the MSTCA Invitational on Friday.
“Today’s goal was to run under the 50-second barrier,” said Reinoso. “I opened up my season at a conference meet with a hand-timed 49.9, and I knew that if I started out that fast — it’s only the beginning. I had a no-so-great winter season, and even now I know I can definitely go a lot faster. The amount of change from last year to this year has been incredible.”
Reinoso wasn’t done there.
He also anchored the winning 4×400 relay, teaming with Darian Dejesus, Fily Peralta and Alex Rodriguez to take the title in 3:29.71.
“In the 4×400 relay, the goal was to get the No. 1 spot in the state,” said Reinoso. “All four of us went out there and gave it our best shot, but we understand that with the right competition, we will perform at an even higher level. I give all the glory to God.”
Schwartz protects home turf
North Andover’s Samantha Schwartz delivered a victory for the host Scarlet Knights, winning the 400-meter in 1:00.79.
“I was super excited to win today,” said Schwartz. “It really felt like all the work I’ve put in is starting to pay off. Having the support of my coaches and friends cheering me on made the moment even more special and I was proud to take the win at my home track.”
Other local top-6 placers:
BOYS
400 hurdles: 4. Henry Metiver (Lawrence) 1:00.27
400: 3. Brendan Dee (North Andover) 52.52, Liam Delaney (NA) 53.37
200: 6. Liam Friesz (Andover) 23.40
Shot put: 5. Jesus Guzman (Greater Lawrence) 48-4
Discus: 3. Guzman (GL) 139-4, 4. Ethan Jacques (NA) 136-3
Pole vault: 5. Patrick Nugent (NA) 11-0, 5. Chris Ferris (NA) 11-0
GIRLS
400 hurdles: 4. Jaheidy Ortiz (Greater Lawrence) 1:10.95
100: 3. Leah Sun (Andover) 12.96, 6. Elise Gillison (GL) 13.32
Shot put: 5. Nicole Guerrero (GL) 31-7.5
Triple jump: 3. Nikita Neogi (And) 32-9, 4. Elina McKenna (And) 32-2, 5. Jaheidy Ortiz (GL) 31-11.5
Javelin: 2. Camryn Leithead (And) 84-11
Pole vault: 2. Zoey Prout (And) 9-0, 3. Emmi McCarthy (And) 8-6, 3. Dani Almeida (And) 8-6
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