WEYMOUTH — Ever since it was first organized, the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association has delivered on its mission to provide the state’s top stars as many opportunities as possible to showcase their impeccable skills.
On Saturday, nearly 1,600 up-and-coming athletes flocked to Weymouth High School for the annual Jim Hoar Freshman/Sophomore Invitational, each with high hopes of making a name for themselves.
It might be time to start familiarizing yourself with Peabody’s Alex Jackson. The sophomore stole the show, shattering meet records in the discus throw (156 feet, 7 inches) as well as the shot put (58 feet, 6 inches). He was selected as one of the Most Outstanding Boys Athletes of the Meet for his performances.
“(It feels) good,” said Jackson afterward. “Lot of hard work, but it finally came together.”
Jackson was one of three individuals selected for the honor. Brockton sophomore Lucas Andrade was also chosen after finishing a double winner with victories in the high jump (6-0) and the 110-meter hurdles race (15.61 seconds). Quite an accomplishment, given that it’s his first year as a member of the Boxers’ track program.
“It makes me feel proud of myself,” Andrade said. “Because now I know what I’m capable of doing, and it’s a major progression.”
Catholic Memorial’s Mehki Dodd was the third participant to be named a winner of the esteemed plaque, as he placed first in the 100-meter dash (11.20 seconds) while leading the Knights to a victory in the 4×100 relay (44.91). The sophomore standout also blazed to a fourth-place finish in the 200-meter dash (23.03).
Meanwhile, Dennis-Yarmouth’s Breanna Braham headlined the list of the MSTCA’s Most Outstanding Girls Athletes. The sophomore went on to capture the title in the 200 (25.46 seconds) and 100-meter dashes (12.50), and was rewarded for her efforts.
“I kind of approached (things) with confidence,” Braham said. “Blast off those blocks. Just keep going at it.”
Similar to what fans witnessed Braham do during her events, Woburn freshman Nicole Gangi swept each hurdle race, winning the 400 (1:06.06) and 100-meter (15.75 seconds) competitions on her way to being chosen for one of the awards.
Alessandra Forgione put the finishing touches on what was a banner day for Peabody’s teams, as she was named one of the Most Outstanding Girls Athletes of the Meet after setting a meet record in the javelin (134-11). The sophomore also placed second in the discus throw with a toss of 99-04.
Newton North’s girls 4×100 relay team of Bella Mangada, Sawyer Gallivan, Brooke Bennett and Nonie Giandomenico combined to set a meet record in 50.94 seconds.
