From the moment Maddie Goncalves hits the track on Saturday — and to a greater extent when she enters the shot put circle — the Haverhill High superstar knows she won’t just be taking on the best opponents New England has to offer, she’ll also be battling her own emotions.
Goncalves is the top seed in the girls shot put, leading an impressive group of local standouts that will compete in the New England Track Championship on Saturday at Veterans Stadium at Willowbrook Park in New Britain, Conn.
“It’s bittersweet heading into New Englands this Saturday,” said Goncalves, whose PR throw of 42-8 is fifth best in Eagle-Tribune area history, and makes her the lone local favorite on Saturday. “This is my last ever high school meet competing for Haverhill, so I’m ready to have a big day. I’ve worked so hard to get this far, especially as a top competitor, so I’m ready to put it all out there one last time.”
Methuen’s Lauren Quarm is the No. 2 seed in the 100-meter dash, after breaking her own area record in the event last week (11.73).
“I’m feeling excited and focused,” said Quarm. “I’ve been working hard all season. My goal is to stay locked in, trust my training, and leave it all on the track.”
Also heading into the weekend as the No. 2 seed is Timberlane’s Danielle Bates in the high jump (5-8, No. 3 in area history).
“There is a girl from Vermont (Ella Palisano) who is jumping 6-feet,” said Bates. “I’m so excited to compete against her. We’ll see what happens.”
Lawrence’s Argenis Luciano broke his own Eagle-Tribune area record in the discus last week with a 171-2 at Meet of Champions, and he’s the No. 4 seed on Saturday.
“I’m super excited to branch out against other competition, because I know it’ll bring the best out of me like the Meet of Champions,” he said.
Alongside him is fellow Lancer senior Cristian Reinoso, who is the No. 5 seed in the 200 (21.66) and No. 6 in the 400 (48.67).
“I’m really looking forward to qualifying for nationals in the 400,” said Reinoso. “But I’m also excited to represent my school and team at such a prestigious meet. I know that fast times are going to be run, so I have to prepare myself accordingly.
The javelin features an stellar group of contenders.
On the boys side, Pinkerton’s Charles Franks is seeded third (192-5, No. 3 in modern area history) while Central Catholic’s Drew Alsup is seeded fifth (183-1, tied for sixth in area history).
“We get to throw off a track at New Englands!” said Franks. “I’m excited about that. As long as we get some decent weather, I think I’ll have my best throw yet.
Added Alsup, “I am jazzed up to be competing at New Englands this weekend against some of the best talent in the country.”
For the girls javelin, Sarah Rzasa is No. 7 after winning Meet of Champions in her first season in the event.
“I’m getting close to throwing 120 feet,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll get a big throw on Saturday. I’m excited.”
Also for Central Catholic, Suuna Kalemera is seeded No. 5 in the boys long jump (23-0), Arianna DiPietro is No. 11 in the 100 hurdles (15.06) and No. 12 in the long jump (17-6.5) and Franchesca Thurston is No. 13 in the javelin (118-1).
Greater Lawrence’s Elizardo Melenciano is No. 11 in the 110 hurdles (14.52). Haverhill’s Lauren Downer is No. 15 in the 400 (58.30).
The Pinkerton 4×100 relay of Jamison Isaac, Travis Cavallo, Winston George and Elijah Roberts is seeded No. 2 (41.82). The Salem 4×800 relay of Jackson Gannon, Ben LaGrasse, Evan Spence and Brock James is seeded No. 11 (8:00.22).
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