Shortly after closing out the most dominant performance of his high school track career, Greater Lawrence Tech’s Jesus Guzman wanted to be clear.
He is far from satisfied.
“This is only the beginning,” he said. “My career is only going up from here. I’m going to keep putting in the work and working to take first-place finishes, just like I did (Monday). Let’s keep it rolling!”
The Reggies senior was rolling in a major way on Monday.
Guzman won both the shot put (47-10.5), beating the No. 2 finisher by more than two feet, and the discus (141-1) — besting runner-up and teammate David Burgos (131-5) — to lead host Greater Lawrence at the Massachusetts Vocational Large Track Championship.
It was sweet redemption for Guzman, who placed second in both events at both the Vocational and Commonwealth Conference championships a year ago.
The two wins were also the culmination of a long road back, after a career plagued by knee issues.
“The last couple seasons haven’t been easy, especially pushing through my knee injuries,” said Guzman, who is also an offensive/defensive lineman in football. “I would like to thank my amazing coaches for all the guidance, support, and motivation they’ve given me. It was because of their dedication and belief in me, that I was able to take first place in both events. I couldn’t have done it without them. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come, and I’m just getting started.”
Ortiz does it all
Greater Lawrence girls star senior Jaheidy Ortiz wanted to make one final, memorable statement in her final Vocational meet.
She did exactly that.
Ortiz won the 100 hurdles (16.12), was third in the 400 hurdles (1:13.03) and ran on the second-place 4×100 relay (51.09).
“Since I’m a senior this year, it meant a lot to place top-3 in all my events,” she said. “I feel like it puts me in a good position for the rest of the races later this season.”
Breakout Reggies star Elizardo Melenciano continued his stellar spring, winning the 400 hurdles (57.92), taking second in the 110 hurdles (14.53) and running on the winning 4×100 relay alongside Gustavo Varela, Anthony Jimenez and Ebenovbe Efosa-Aguebor.
Berube, Cepeda shine for Whittier
Whittier Tech scored one individual victory at the Massachusetts Vocational Small Track Championship — boys or girls — with the honor going to Charlotte Berube in the 100 hurdles (17.74).
“Winning the 100 hurdles was such a special moment for me,” said Berube. “I’ve put in so much time and effort training, with long practices, and pushing myself to improve every day. To see all of that pay off with a win at a big meet meant the world to me. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come this season, especially with how much faster and stronger I’ve gotten.”
Wildcat Mariely Cepeda also came through with a strong day, placing second in both the 100-meter dash (12.66) and 200-meter (26.73).
“I faced a lot of great competition today, so I’m very proud of my results,” she said. “Even though second place isn’t the ideal placement, I’m grateful to have the chance to support my team and strive to be my best every day.”
The Whittier boys picked up a win in the 4×100 relay, with the team of Kasey Cook, Dakota Gadd, Elijah Jones and Noah Allen running a 45.65.
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