Mariely Cepeda could feel something special in the air heading into the spring.
But the Whittier Tech junior didn’t know just how brilliant it would be.
“Coming in, I had a feeling I was going to have a good season,” she said. “But I didn’t expect to run the times I did or be ranked so highly in the region. It feels like everything I worked for paid off. I’m really proud.”
She has reason to be proud, after delivering one of the greatest seasons in Whittier track and field history.
Cepeda become the first Wildcat to qualify for our Eagles Tribune girls track Honor Roll since 2018 — and the second since 2015 — and did so in brilliant fashion.
She finished her spring ranked No. 2 in The Eagle-Tribune area in both the 100-meter (12.56) and 200-meter (26.20), both trailing just Methuen High’s record-setting Lauren Quarm (area-record 11.73/25.29).
“It’s honestly an incredible feeling to be ranked right next to my friend Lauren from Methuen,” said Cepeda, the granddaughter of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda. “It means so much for me to have one of the best seasons in school history, since Whittier isn’t known for track. To be able to represent the school at this level and maybe even inspire future runners — that’s a huge deal for me. I do think people are starting to look more into our program, and I couldn’t be more proud to have played a role in that.”
Cepeda’s biggest day was at the Commonwealth Conference Upper Championship, when she repeated as champion in both the 100 (12.78) and 200 (26.73). At the Mass. Vocational Championship, she was second in the 100 (12.66) and 200 (26.73) and at the MIAA Division 2 Championship, she as again runner-up in both events (12.69/26.27).
She also anchored the 4×100 that won the CAC Upper title (51.72) and the 4×200 that was fifth at the MSTCA Division 2 Relays (1:52.33).
Wildcats head coach Jonathan Ihle said Cepeda was on track to become the top sprinter in Whittier Tech history.
And from the time she started in track, it was always about the sprints.
“What I love about sprinting is the adrenaline rush of racing and the competition,” she said. “I first started track and sprinting in sixth grade, and I never really took it seriously until I realized my full potential. My success shows me that hard work does pay off in the end, and that motivates me to keep going.”
Cepeda’s season, though, ended prematurely. She qualified for Massachusetts Meet of Champions, but had to sit out due to injury.
That, though, has made her even hungrier for 2026.
“I was heartbroken to not be able to run at the Meet of Champions, since I was looking forward to it the whole season,” she said. “I suffered a quad strain during a workout late in the season. We tried our best to manage it, but it just wasn’t worth risking a more serious injury. It was a tough way for my season to end.
“I am beyond excited for my senior year. I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what I’m capable of. Next year, I’m coming back better, stronger, and faster. I have big goals, and I can’t wait to chase them!”
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