Whitman-Hanson Express

You are here: Home / Archives for Whitman-Hanson Regional High Girls’ Indoor Track

Overcoming the odds: Kamperides runs to Bryant

By

Kamperides sings her letter of intent to run for Bryant University. / Photo by: Sue Moss

Whitman-Hanson Regional High senior cross country captain Myah Kamperdies will run at Bryant University.

Myah Kamperides was bullied so bad her freshman year that her mother was ready to send her to a private school. 

Then she discovered running. 

“I didn’t think Whitman-Hanson was for me and wasn’t going to come back,” Kamperides said. “But then I joined the track team that winter and later that spring I decided to join cross country and knew I couldn’t leave. It wasn’t only because of the sport, but because I was so quickly making friends on the team and had such amazing coaches I just could not leave.”

She is glad she stayed. 

Now a senior captain, Kamperides is a three-time cross country team MVP, indoor track MVP and five-time Patriot League All-Star. She recently committed to continue her running career at Division 1 Bryant University. 

“I toured it and absolutely fell in love,” Kamperides said. “They are a small school which is what I need. I also met the team and coaches and every single person was so welcoming. I even communicate daily with the other commits and love them already.”

She will run both cross country and track for the Bulldogs.

“Running has changed my life in so many amazing ways,” Kamperides said. “I eat well and am constantly bettering myself. After a rough day at school, the only thing I look forward to is seeing my team and running.” 

Rough days at school are few and far between for Kamperides, who boasts a 3.94 GPA in the classroom, while taking AP Spanish, AP psych, AP English literature, and AP statistics. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. 

“I love to challenge myself and feel it makes me work harder,” she said. 

Kamperides ran 30 varsity races in cross country since she joined the team her sophomore year. She was the Panthers’ top finisher in each one. 

“She has set the bar rather high in cross country,” said W-H head coach Steve George. “She has dominated the sport at Whitman-Hanson during that time.” 

George said it is no secret why she attained a high level of success. 

“She is not only an extremely hard worker but she has supported our training plan to the letter without question,” George said. “Myah encourages her teammates to do the same without question.” 

That is not the only reason she has been a two-year captain. 

“In a literal sense Myah has provided leadership by training at the front of the pack every day for the past three years,” George said. “But it goes beyond that. She organizes summer strength and conditioning for the team. She is a vocal supporter for all her teammates. She approaches and completes each and every training session with a smile. Her enjoyment is infectious among the rest of the squad. I’ve had many incoming athletes how they can be like Myah. I suggest they follow her around — if they can.” 

And that is just the leader Kamperides wants to be. 

“I strive to be the person the underclassmen look up to,” she said. 

Kamperides and the Panthers open the indoor track season on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center. 

Season Preview: Indoor track running in a virtual space

By

Courtesy photo

Indoor track has a bevy of changes this Fall II.

Indoor track meets have a different look this season.

First off, they’ll be held outside instead of inside. Second, teams won’t be boarding busses to head to the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center because that’s being used as COVID-19 vaccination center.

All meets are scheduled to be held at home in a virtual form with teammates competing with each other and then their scores will be entered online after for the rest of the league to see. Finally, there will also only be three field events: shot put, long jump and high jump. Other than that, it’s business as usual.

“Our virtual meets are essentially weekly time trails run at our facility with no opponent on campus,” explained seventh-year W-H girls’ head coach Steve George. “Our athletes compete with each other and run against the clock.”

Junior Myah Kamperides knows a thing or two about running against the clock. The reigning league all-star will lead the pack for the girls’ team this season. She competed in six running events last week and posted her best time in each of them.

She’s also brought along her younger sister, Savannah, a freshman. She competed in five individual events last week and was top three in four of them.

“We’ve got some extraordinary athletes among our distance runners in addition to the Kamperides girls,” George said. “Isabelle Amado, Anna Sullivan, Anna Flynn and Sarah Boulger all have experience and would be big factors in dual meet competition. And we have a couple of very talented sprinters/hurdlers in Hailey Minicucci and April Keyes, who also compete in the jumping events as well.”

George said the focus remains on improvement, like any other season.

“Some of the kids are trying events for the very first time as a byproduct of the jamboree format,” George said. “For example, we started working with a dozen-plus athletes on the long jump and in only four sessions they are hitting their marks and jumping like veterans.”

George said he believes this new track format could benefit his athletes in the near future.

“The virtual format really provides an opportunity for experimentation and I expect we’ll see enormous improvement among those who have joined in,” he said. “When spring track arrives, we’ll have a group of kids who are ready for anything.”

BOYS’ TEAM

The boys’ team is led by the other Kamperides, senior Theo Kamperides, who is the back-to-back boys’ cross country MVP in the Patriot League Keenan Division.

“[He] will continue to be a dominant runner this winter,” said second-year W-H boys’ head coach Stephen Schlicting.

He is joined by cross country league all-stars, seniors Liam Cafferty and Chris MacDonald and juniors Nathan Tassey and Gordon Johnson.

“We have a very strong contingent of distance runners,” Schlicting said.

Juniors Jake Caterer and Jacob Donovan should push each other in the sprints. Senior Chris Blackman runs the 300 and 600, while junior Chase Baker will lead the way in the hurdles and long jump.

The Panthers’ mission this season is to just keep working on their skills together.

“[The] goal will be to improve and to encourage all to try new events, building a strong team culture of support and togetherness and having fun as we work this winter,” Schlicting said.

Changes for winter sports

By

There are multiple changes to the winter sports season.

The winter sports season is a go — for some teams.

Basketball, ice hockey and gymnastics are set to begin on Dec. 14. Indoor track has been moved to Fall II, while cheerleading and wrestling were pushed back to the spring.

“The news hurts, but was expected,” said Whitman-Hanson Regional High wrestling head coach Gary Rabinovitz. “At this point in time there really is not much that we can do to prepare for the season. I will continue to encourage everyone to step up whatever workouts they are currently doing. If the season does happen, we need to be in top shape going in so that we can work technique right from the start. I’m not sure what will be possible. I will do whatever I can to keep the team informed and ready to go if or when we get the green light.”

Girls’ indoor track head coach Steve George also wasn’t surprised his season was moved. The Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, where his team participates in meets, hasn’t held events since March.

“We’re taking advantage of every opportunity to keep our kids happy, healthy and conditioned though,” George said. “We’ve asked that athletes continue to work independently until then. I’m happy to report that quite a few are doing just that.”

As for the cheerleading team, which also had its fall season postponed, it’s doing what it can to stay together during an unprecedented time.

“Of course, it’s disappointing to hear that we will not be starting our season,” said head coach Alyssa Pietrasik. “We’ve still been meeting and conditioning on Fridays so it has been nice to stay connected and continue building our team community. If you look at it that way — we have all this extra time to build a bond for whenever we can cheer competitively again. When the season does start and things open back up, Whitman-Hanson varsity cheer will be ready.”

Hurley a double-sport star this winter

By

Senior Ryley Hurley starred on both the mat and track this winter.

Ryley Hurley was feeling ambitious this winter and wanted to try something different. So, she did.

Already a four-time state champion cheerleader, you weren’t going to keep her off the mat. But with the cheerleading team opting to be noncompetitive for the season, that opened the door for Hurley, a senior at Whitman-Hanson Regional High, to flash her talents as a double-sport athlete. She knew it and joined the girls’ indoor track team.

“I really enjoyed being a part of two teams,” Hurley said. “It kept me fully involved with the school spirit and I love that. I had track practice every day after school, including days with meets. On days where we had to cheer at the basketball game, we would have a practice beforehand.”

Despite the busy schedule, she flourished. In addition to being named the MVP of the cheerleading team, Hurley was one of the girls’ indoor track team’s top point-getters.

“I am so proud of what I have accomplished not only this past winter season, but all four years of high school,” Hurley said. “Being a part of a team is so special. Even if the outcome was not what we hoped for, the bonds that I have made along the way make every practice and moment worth it.”

Hurley’s track career began middle school, but she didn’t participate in high school until last spring after some persuading.

“I recognized her athletic ability previously after watching the cheerleading practices, which took place in the gym while we practiced on the indoor track,” said W-H girls’ indoor and outdoor track head coach Steve George. “She was, in my opinion, that team’s most athletic member and its best gymnast. I felt she could be a very good track athlete.

“I asked a couple of our team members who had been cheerleaders, Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue and Allison Bartlett, to encourage Ryley to join the team.”

Hurley made a statement, qualifying for states in both the 400-meter dash and 400-meter hurdles. This winter, she excelled in 300-meter dash, high jump, long jump and as a leg on the 4×200 relay team and racked up the third most points on the team. She was unable to participate in the pentathlon after having her wisdom teeth extracted.

Ryley Hurley in track. / Photo by: Sue Moss

“She has the gift of speed and that along with her natural athleticism make her a track athlete with unlimited potential,” George said. “She also brings with her a genuine enthusiasm and willingness to take on any event when asked, adding the long and high jump to her resume.”

Hurley said picking up track last spring benefited her when the cheer season rolled around this fall.

“Doing track last spring and continuing the training all year really helped improve my stamina,” she said. “I was in shape and ready to go for the start of my fall season.”

Hurley’s passion for cheerleading began in second grade and has never wavered.

“From the first moment that I took the mat to compete I knew I was in it for the long haul,” Hurley said. “I loved learning new tumbling skills as well as learning new stunting positions throughout the years.”

She wrapped up her high school cheerleading career with four state titles, an NCA National title and a New England title.

“She is an athlete that has in one two-minute routine quite literally been in almost every stunting position,” said W-H cheerleading head coach Alyssa Hayes. “I would say that’s a rare feat, especially for high school cheer. She is our best jumper. She is one of our captains. She motivates the team. I could go on and on.”

Hurley and head cheerleading coach Alyssa Hayes. / Photo by: Sue Moss

Hayes said Hurley’s grit and determination make her special.

“I have seen her encounter obstacles in both youth and high school cheerleading, academics, tough losses, and regardless of each problem she pushes through until coming through to the other side,” Hayes said.

One of those obstacles is a tumbling block, which is a mental hurdle that keeps you from completing a tumble kill that you’ve done — even moments before.

“Mine has surfaced throughout the years usually after a fall of some sort,” Hurley said. “When the block would appear, I never gave up, not even once. Through multiple tumbling classes and talking myself through it I continue to try and push past it.”

Hurley said when she looks back on her time at W-H, one day comes to mind before any other.

“My greatest high school athletic memory so far was winning States for the first [during] time winter season of my freshman year,” Hurley said.

*This story will run in the Express’ print edition on Thursday, May 7. 

Season Review: Girls’ indoor track meets expectations

By

Sophomore Myah Kamprides was a league all-star. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The girls’ indoor track team finished the year 2-3.

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High girls’ indoor track team did not disappoint its sixth-year head coach Steve George this winter.

“The team certainly met my expectations,” said George, whose team finished with a 2-3 record after going 0-5 the previous season. “I looked for effort and improvement against Hingham and Plymouth North, both much bigger teams than ours. They can beat you with the sheer numbers of athletes it enters in its meets. We saw that improvement.

“Duxbury and Silver Lake are both very well coached and very competitive teams that present problems for our kids every season throughout the year. The ladies stepped up and beat each of those teams convincingly. Individually, I saw remarkable improvement each time out from our kids which is really the most important factor in how I judge the success of the team.”

George said his assistant coaches played a major part in the club’s success, going as far as coining them the team’s strength.

“Kim Coletti’s children went through the program and she understands the dynamic as well as anybody,” George said. “She communicates extraordinarily well with our girls. She understands and counsels them and is supportive and more importantly honest with them. Samantha Richner was an incredible multi-event athlete both here and at Bridgewater State and she brings knowledge in field events that is admired and respected by the athletes. And Rob Bunszell is a very enthusiastic, young coach who is intent on learning and passing it along.”

As far as the athletes, both junior Izzy Amado and sophomore Myah Kamperides earned league all-star status this winter.

A Patriot League all-star in cross country as well, Kamperides was the league’s top 2-miler and Panthers’ team MVP.

“[She] loves to double in the mile and 2 mile, from which we try to refrain to keep her fresh,” George said. “An incredibly hard worker, who logs high miles at impressive paces and loves every step of it.”

Amado posted a 3:15.32 in the 1,000-meter run during the Panthers’, 57-43, win over Silver Lake on Jan. 22.

“When I first met Izzy, I had every reason to believe she would become the next great mid-distance/distance athlete here at W-H,” George said. “And despite a love for and commitment to soccer throughout the year, she became a very good runner and this year. I’m very happy she gives us all she has in track and I hope she continues that next year.”

A two-year captain, senior Samantha Perkins was W-H’s second leading scorer and a multi-event athlete, competing in the pentathlon.

“She is an outstanding sprinter, hurdler, jumper and thrower,” George said. “She was an easy choice for this year’s Coaches Award on the basis of her contributions to the program, her effort in every practice and meet, and her leadership, all while being our second leading point scorer this season.”

Senior Ryley Hurley and sophomore April Keyes were W-H’s third and fifth leading scorers, respectively. Hurley was a top performer in the 300- and 600-meter runs, long jump and anchored the 4×200 relay team, while Keyes was the team’s top hurdler and chipped in as a sprinter, mid-distance runner and jumper.

George said while there is a plan in place to establish a local youth running league to meet several evenings per week during the summer, the biggest draw to his program is the quality of athletes.

“Not only in their athleticism, but their character and work ethic which should get parents motivated to get their kids out running,” he said. “I’m blessed to have zero discipline problems, intelligent student-athletes and young people who want to work hard – all traits which will make them healthy, happy and successful adults.”

Season Preview: Girls’ indoor track chasing ‘little victories’

By

Despite a small team, head coach Steve George is expecting the girls’ indoor track team to be competitive.

Little victories are what the Whitman-Hanson Regional High girls’ indoor track team is striving for this winter.

“I will feel our season will be a success if our small team of 32 girls can win five to seven events each week,” said sixth-year head coach Steve George. “A small team by its nature has difficulty winning meets due to the sports scoring method of five, three and one point for first, second and third places in each event.”

Despite fielding a team of just 32 girls, George’s expectations aren’t any lower. 

“I expect our girls to rise to the occasion,” said George, whose club finished 0-5 last season. “We have a small team, but each of its members are very competitive.”

In the distance events, it will be sophomore Myah Kamperides and junior Anna Sullivan leading the way for W-H. In the mid-distance events, senior Tori Boss and junior Izzy Amado will each run the 1,000-meter run, 600-meter run and 4×400 relay. In the long sprints, seniors Ryley Hurley and senior captain Courtney Woodward could make an impact in the 300-meter dash and possibly the 600-meter run. Senior captain Samantha Perkins, junior Emma Rogers and sophomore April Keyes are expected to make an impact in the sprinting and hurdling events. 

As for departures, George knows he has his hands full with the graduations of Ally Bartlett and Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue. Bartlett scored nearly 40 percent of W-H’s points last winter, while DiMascio-Donohue competed in the indoor pentathlon. 

“I don’t know that I can replace [them],” George said. “They scored a lot of points for us last year in sprints, hurdles, jumps and relays.”

George said he believes this year’s strength will the 300-meter dash and 600-meter run, while he’d like to improve his team’s relay skills. 

“With a small squad, most of our kids are needed in two individual running events, so it leaves us a little lacking in the relays,” George said. “There is nothing more disappointing than being close in a meet going into the relays and knowing you can’t win those events.”

W-H returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 3:45 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center against Hingham and Silver Lake. 

“What I’m really hoping for is that we can achieve a lot of little victories, and the success stories on our team result in those kids promoting this great sport and in increased participation in the coming years,” George said. 

Season Review: Girls’ indoor track team put forth strong effort

By

The Panthers set many individual marks.

For the Whitman-Hanson Regional High girls’ indoor track team, the record wasn’t there, but the effort was.

The Panthers, despite an 0-5 mark on the season, did what they could.

“Indoor track is always a tough sell because we train in the cold and there are, admittedly, other options for the student-athletes,” said head coach Steve George. “I couldn’t have been more pleased with their efforts.”

George credited the 0-5 campaign to a lack of depth. The Panthers had nearly 40 participants, which is low compared to the rest of the Patriot League.

“We are rarely shut out in any single event, but while we have one athlete scoring, our opponents have two,” said George, whose team dropped three meets by 18 points or less. “It’s tough to win when you’re outmanned to that degree.”

The Panthers did still have their share of wins, even if they didn’t show up in their record.

“Victories for a team like ours come every week in individual events, so each time we compete there are bright spots,” George said. “We were competitive each week overall.”

Junior Courtney Woodward was one of many bright spots for W-H.

“[She] moved from distance to mid-distance this year and ran the team’s best times in the 300- and 600-meter runs, along with jumping in with our 4×200 and 4×400 at times, [and] was a major contributor,” George said. “The switch to mid-distance, which she suggested following last year’s campaign, was the right move at the right time for both Courtney and the team.”

Just a sophomore, Izzy Amado was a key contributor.

“In my opinion, [she’s] the strongest athlete since Samantha Coletti graduated three years ago,” George said. “Izzy is a very good miler, an extraordinary 1,000-meter runner and closes the gap or extends the lead in incredible fashion in every relay she enters. One of our spring heptathletes.”

Amado’s classmate, Anna Sullivan, was also strong in bevy of events and is another spring track heptathlete.

“[She’s] our top miler and two miler and anchors our 4×400 and 4×800 relays,” George said. “Just a gifted distance runner who impressed in her first indoor season.”

George coined Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue as a ‘senior who can do it all.’

“She can sprint, hurdle, high jump, long jump and run mid-distance and relay events,” George said. “[She] competes in both the indoor pentathlon and spring heptathlon and is a leader in track and in the classroom.”

Senior captain Ally Bartlett was W-H top points getter, scoring nearly 40 percent of the team’s points.

“[She is] the team’s best in hurdles, long jump and shot put,” George said. “Also a pentathlete/heptathlete and team MVP and Commitment Award recipient.”

George said his vision for the program remain unwavered.

“The goal is to increase participation and with more athletes, achieve greater success in competition,” he said. “Our kids are out there spreading the word that track is not all work, it can be a lot of fun, too.

“What I always hear is that kids just don’t want to put in the effort involved in the sport. While that may apply to some, I don’t think it can be universally applied to our students. All I hope for is that kids will try it, then decide. Nearly 50 years ago I did and fell in love with the sport.”

Catching up with … W-H alum Samantha Coletti

By

Samantha Coletti leads the pack. / Courtesy photo

Coletti outlines what a normal day for her is like and more.

Time’s flying for Samantha Coletti at Army West Point.

The Express chatted with Coletti, a three-season runner for the Black Knights, about her experiences thus far and to find out where she hopes to end up.

Q: How would you describe your college experience in general thus far?

A: “It was challenging from the start and it continues to challenge me daily. I am just now learning how to deal with it better.” 

 

Q: For those who don’t know, what makes West Point unique?

A: “Traditions. There are so many traditions that are so unique and special to anyone who graduates the Academy. The comradery of the Corps is also a very unique thing. Everyone here is so willing to help each other out through the struggles.”

 

Q: Why West Point? What made this the right fit for you?

A: “I chose West Point because I wanted to be challenged mentally and physically. More importantly I wanted to serve and become a better leader that people want to follow.”

Q: What’s a normal day like for you?

A: “Normally, I wake up at 5 a.m. and go to a morning track practice (lifting), then we have formation at 6:50, followed by classes beginning at 7:30 and ending at 3:15 (lunch formation at 11:50). From there, I go straight to practice and train. After practice I would usually go straight to dinner and back to my room to do my homework. Of course some days include other activities and plans, but this is an outline of a typical day at West Point.”

 

Q: How do you balance being an athlete and student?

A: “I have to stay focused and get on a daily schedule. Usually I plan out my entire day by the hour to make sure I can get everything done.”

 

Q: What’s been the best advice you’ve received about being a student-athlete and who did it come from?

A: “My coach always tells us to focus on what you’re doing at the moment. When you’re at track practice, you’re not thinking about school and when you’re at school do your best to focus on what needs to get done.”

Q: What’s been your greatest accomplishment as an athlete so far? When did it come?

A: “My greatest accomplishment so far as an athlete was breaking the star meet (Army vs Navy) record last outdoor season at Navy in the 1000.”

 

Q: What’s been your greatest accomplishment off the field so far? When did it come?

A: “My greatest accomplishment off the track so far has been affirming in August of last year. I have committed myself to five years active duty after graduation and three more in the reserves.”

 

Q: What are your goals the rest of the way?

A: “My goals are to ultimately meet the world class athlete standards before graduation so I could be a part of the world class athlete program and run for the Army after graduation. My other main goals are to stay focused, continue running without injury, and to graduate and lead soldiers.”

Season Preview: Girls’ indoor track faces a deep Patriot League

By

The Panthers will be led by captains Ally Bartlett and Samantha Perkins.

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High girls’ indoor track team is aiming to stay afloat as it works its way down a grueling schedule.

“Ideally, we would like to win several meets in what has become a very deep and talented Patriot League,” said fifth-year head coach Steve George, whose team went 1-3-1 last winter. “But realistically, we have eight to 10 girls who are very athletic and have the experience needed to be successful this season.”

With their multi-event experience and success, seniors Ally Bartlett (captain) and Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue and junior Samantha Perkins (captain) will boost the club.

“All three girls can long jump, high jump, throw the shot put, run the hurdles and dash events and can run mid-distance events if called upon,” George explained.

George said he is also counting on junior Courtney Woodward, sophomore Hailey Minicucci and freshman Skylar Jordan to fill similar roles of competing in multiple events.

“Courtney moves back from distance/mid-distance where she was good, to faster events at which she is very good,” George said. “Hailey is a speedster and Skylar is a diamond in the rough and will improve dramatically through the season.”

In the mid-distance and distance events, the Panthers will be led by the cross country team’s top runner, junior Tori Boss, and senior Maeve McDonough. Sophomores Izzy Amado and Anna Sullivan are also valuable pieces due to their versatility.

“[I] feel certain that we will be very competitive in the 600, 1,000, mile and 2-mile each week,” George said. “I’m also confident with our 300 runners.”

It’s the sprinting, hurdles and relays that have been a focal point on improvement for George. The Panthers added former standout, Samantha Richner to their staff to build up the group.

“Bringing on coach Richner addresses the areas of sprints, hurdles and field events and we are hoping to see improvement in those areas,” George said. “Putting together our relay teams (4×400 and 4×200) is a priority as is getting them in sync with each other. Obviously handoffs are crucial in those events and we are working with all the potential relay runners to find a good fit.”

George said a few freshmen have caught his attention early on, but most namely Emily Hanrahan.

“Emily looks like a terrific shot putter,” the coach said. “[That’s] something we have been looking for since I arrived five year sago.”

The Panthers are back in action Friday, Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m. against Hingham at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury.

“With a relatively small team of 35, we necessarily move kids to different events every meet,” George said. “Almost everybody with experience has had to participate in various events already and they are ready to do whatever it’s best for the team.”

Season Review: Girls’ indoor track regained its footing

By

The Panthers during a Dec. 13 meet. / Photo by: Sue Moss

Through their first three meets, the Panthers sat at 0-3 with losses to Hingham (87-17), Duxbury (54-46) and Plymouth North (67-33).

After a rocky start, the Whitman-Hanson Regional High girls’ indoor track team regained its footing to finish the season strong.

Through their first three meets, the Panthers sat at 0-3 with losses to Hingham (87-17), Duxbury (54-46) and Plymouth North (67-33).

“The Patriot League is an extremely competitive league with some enormously talented athletes,” W-H head coach Steve George said. “We faced the very best teams during those first [three] weeks. While we kept it close with most, we had some key athletes go down with injuries.”

Reinforcements would be on their way, however, and in the Panthers’ fourth meet of the season Jan. 24, they scored a nail-biting 51-49 victory over Silver Lake.

Trailing by three with one event to go – the 4×400 relay – the Panthers’ crew stepped to the line. Coincidentally, W-H was missing three of its four runners who had competed on the team all season long, leaving junior Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue as the only one who had previously done the event. So, the Panthers went with a next man up approach, inserting senior Julia Cosgrave and sophomores Victoria Boss and Courtney Woodward into the lineup.

The tandem finished the course in 4:39.56, besting Silver Lake by nearly 13 ticks to lift the Panthers to victory.

The girls then carried that momentum into the final meet of the season, two weeks later, tying Pembroke, 49-49, to cap off the winter at 1-3-1. The Panthers were led by first-place finishes from DiMascio-Donohue (55-meter hurdles, 10.17), junior Allison Bartlett (long jump, 15-foot-2), junior Maeve McDonough (2-mile run, 13:16.77), freshman Isabelle Amado (600-meter dash, 1:52.16) and senior captain Nicole Norve (1-mile run, 5:26.63).

It was one of many top-place finishes for the Adams State-bound Norve, who was tabbed as the team’s lone Patriot League All-Star. Norve also represented the Panthers in the Division 3 All-State meet, where she placed 10th in the 1,000-meter run (3:09.28) and 12th in the 1-mile run (5:26.81).

“Nicole has literally led by example during her four years at Whitman-Hanson,” George said. “I recall as a freshman cross country runner we saw that she was talented and invited her to run at the Martha’s Vineyard Invitational. She initially declined, I think feeling a bit uneasy as the only freshman entry. But she ended up running that meet and since then has worked tirelessly to improve. It’s as simple as – she loves running.”

Norve was one of a few runners who impressed George this season.

“I would have to say seniors Julia Cosgrave and Camryn Boyce were as consistent as it gets,” George explained. “Each could be counted on to participate and score in multiple events each week. Maeve McDonough has really worked hard to become a very good distance runner.”

George added he was pleasantly surprised with a handful of freshmen who burst onto the scene this season as well.

“Isabelle Amado, Hailey Minicucci, Alaina Mutascio and Emma Rogers all showed some real ability in multiple events and should make an impact over the next three years,” George said.

Next up for many the girls is the spring campaign.

“Many of our kids run all year long and our between-season goal is just to get them rested so they can be healthy going into the outdoor season,” George said.