Greater Lawrence track star Elizardo Melenciano’s groundbreaking spring has take him to Greensboro, N.C., to face many of the country’s best.
This weekend, the Reggies junior will compete at Adidas High School Track Nationals, at North Carolina A&T University.
“I’m very excited to be competing at Adidas Nationals,” said Melenciano. “It’s a huge opportunity, and I’m looking forward to giving it my all. I’ve dreamed of competing at Nationals for several years now. It’s been a goal of mine since I started taking track seriously.”
Melenciano is believed to be the first Greater Lawrence track athlete to compete at the current track nationals — including Nike, New Balance or Adidas Nationals.
“I can’t think of any Reggie to do that,” said longtime Greater Lawrence track/football head coach Tony Sarkis. “Even a long time ago, I have no recollection. Elizardo is a great kid, he deserves this, and it’s going to be a great opportunity for him.”
Melenciano qualified for Nationals in both the 110 hurdles and 400 hurdles, and is scheduled to compete in both on Sunday.
“My goal is to set personal bests in both events,” said Melenciano. “I’m thrilled about my success this season. It’s been a lot of hard work, but seeing it pay off is incredibly rewarding.
“It means a lot to me to possibly be the first Greater Lawrence track athlete to compete at Nationals. I’m doing something great for this school, and I hope they’ll sing about me when I graduate next year.”
This spring, Melenciano has run The Eagle-Tribune area’s fastest 110 hurdles (14.84), ranks second in the 400 hurdles (56.58) and fifth in the triple jump (42-2.5). He won Commonwealth Conference titles in both relays, and won the Mass. Vocational School Championship title in the triple jump.
“Being the region’s fastest 110 hurdler and second fastest in the 400 hurdles is a great accomplishment,” he said. “It validates all the effort I’ve put in and motivates me to keep pushing for even better results.”
With those stellar times, Melenciano becomes just the second Reggie in the last 36 years — and sixth overall — break into our Eagle-Tribune All-Time Track Honor Roll. Melenciano now ranks No. 22 in area history in the 110 hurdles and No. 14 all-time in the 400 hurdles.
The only other Reggies on the all-time list are Dale Powell in the discus (158-4.5 in 1975), Terry Brooks in the long jump (22-4 in 1976), Paul Neal in the high jump (6-8 in 1987), Dave Pienta in the now-defunct 330 hurdles (38.5 in 1978) and Hector Payano in the 100 dash (10.92 in 2012) and 200 (22.17 in 2012).
In the winter, Melenciano finished fifth in the region in the 300 (36.60), sixth in the 55 hurdles (7.97) and eighth in the high jump (5-10).
Now he hopes to end the spring with a bang, while also serving as a positive role model.
“Representing my school and the city of Lawrence at Nationals is a huge privilege,” he said. “I’m proud to show everyone what our community is capable of, and hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams.”
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