Redmen Roundup: Tewksbury Sweeps Methuen In Track Openers

Boys Track

Tewksbury 81.5 - Methuen 54.5

The Redmen came racing out of the gates, led by Cory Cataldo, who won the 400 intermediate hurdles and triple jump and placed second in the long jump.

The Redmen throwers also had an excellent day, sweeping the javelin and the discus and taking second and third in the shot. John Fiorello led the way, winning the javelin and placing second in the discus.

"Overall great meet, I knew Methuen had a great distance crew, but we did not know how we matched up everywhere else," said TMHS Coach Bill Meuse. "Our kids answered that question early with sweeps in the Long Jump, Triple Jump, High hurdles and Javelin. We had a number of terrific  performances today: Cory Cataldo, John Fiorello, Eddie Matovu and  Roy Felix all had great days in their respected events. Not to be outmatched by Kevin Jones, who was also outstanding"

Kevin Jones was another double winner for the Rewdmen. He grabbed first in the high jump and the long jump. Eddie Matovu had a strong meet to kick off the spring season. The junior won the 110 high hurdles and placed second in the high jump.

"Our team from top to bottom competed today, which allowed us to get those 2nd and 3rd place finishes that we needed to win this meet," said Meuse. "Those kids will only get better. We need those athletes to keep progressing in order for us to succeed, so for them to have a day like today is very promising. The best part of the day for me was that we had a number of freshmen and sophomores not only earn us points but put together some really fine times and distances."

Complete results and times can be found on a PDF attachment with this article.

Girls Track

Tewksbury 86, Methuen 50

The weather may be a bit cool but the Redmen were white hot in their opening day win over Methuen.

"It's been a cold spring so far, and we've only been on the track three times, so it was an encouraging start to the season," said Coach John Byrne.

Chelsee Porcaro got Tewksbury started with wins in the shot put and the discus. Freshman Christine Jean-Baptiste opened eyes, as she won both the 100 and 200 to kick off her rookie spring season.

"Chelsee Porcaro's been a perfect addition to both the team and the throwers group.  She brings a lot of positive energy wherever she goes, so it was great to see her start off with 2 state qualifiers in the shot (34') and discus (93'3")," said Byrne. "Christine Jean-Baptiste is just a freshman, so you never want to say too much, but she loves to run and it's clear every time she competes.  The state qualifying time in the 100 is pretty tough, so it was nice to her hit the standard so early on."

Jess Amadee was another double winner, taking the high jump and the 110 high hurdles. Other winners for the Redmen included Rachel Eatherton, who torched the field by over a minute to win the two-mile, and Sara Semenza, who won the 400.

"Rachel Eatherton not only got her season off to a great start with 12:01 two mile PR, but it was a nice start to the meet for us too.  It's great seeing her run well, because she's a kid who trains as hard as anyone else in the league," said Byrne. "Jess Amedee's really come into her own. She shaved over half a second off her 100 hurdle personal best and added a 4'10" high jump win to go along with it.  She only started with the sport last year, but she looks incredibly powerful out there right now."   
"Sara Semenza was terrific as usual, opening up her season at 61.1 over 400m, which is impressive considering she really hasn't started any event specific training on that race yet.  She's quite a talent."

Complete results and times can be found on a PDF attachment with this article.