EPHS harriers hope some can qualify for state championship meet

Youngsters lead the way for both Townie outfits

By Mike Rego
Posted 9/18/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence High School cross country teams opened up their 2019 Eastern Division dual meet schedules last week at the Tiverton High 3.1-mile course, the girls winning …

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EPHS harriers hope some can qualify for state championship meet

Youngsters lead the way for both Townie outfits

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence High School cross country teams opened up their 2019 Eastern Division dual meet schedules last week at the Tiverton High 3.1-mile course, the girls winning three of their four outings against Moses Brown, Wheeler, Tolman and Shea while the boys split theirs against the same sides.
The Townies defeated the Quakers, 21-36, on the girls’ side despite Moses Brown’s Abby Gerrish posting the winning overall time of 22 minutes, 30 seconds. Wheeler’s Nina Conklin was the runner-up in 23:20, leading the Warriors to a narrow 26-29 win over the Townies. Three other Wheeler runners placed sixth, seventh and eighth to help the Warriors to a sweep of their four contests.
East Providence’s Emmalie LeDuc and Michelle Diaz Araujo ran third and fourth individually to pace the locals, clocking times of 23:21 and 24:10. Teammates Christy Long (25:49) and Miranda Moniz (26:07) helped the Townies also defeat Tolman and Shea by the same 15-50 scores.
The EPHS boys lost to Moses Brown, 15-48, and Wheeler, 18-45, but beat Tolman, 27-28, and Shea, 15-50. Sophomore Grant Wosencroft was the top Townie runner, clocking a 20:28.
Girls’ preview
Youngsters reside atop the EPHS girls’ pecking order this fall, likely having the best chance to qualify for the state championship meet at its traditional Ponaganset High/Covered Bridge Trail course.
A first-year high schooler, LeDuc has quickly established herself as the leader of the group of Townies expected to score consistently this fall, according to EPHS girls’ head coach Pati Piros.
“Emmalie is a my top runner for the team. As a freshman she has the potential to qualify for states,” Piros said. “She is a strong runner and gave the Wheeler girl a run for her money at the last meet. They were both neck and neck at the finish line.”
Sophomore sisters Michelle Diaz Araujo and Katherene Diaz Araujo are back in the fold after performed well for EPHS a year ago.
“Michelle and Katherene have improved their times since last season and will prove to be fierce competition and may also qualify for states,” Piros continued.
Long, a senior, along with sophomores Moniz and Britney Carlson and junior Eva Caron are among the other Townies expected to score for the locals during the regular season.
“(They) are holding their own and have proven to be valuable runners scoring for the team,” Piros said.
A four-year runner, Long along with fellow senior Meagan Heatherton are the team captains.
“Christy and Meagan are great leaders and each team member are supportive of each other,” Piros added. “This team bond that these girls have will not only lead them to be successful as a team, but will build long lasting friendships.”
Boys’ preview
It’s been a struggle in recent years for the EPHS boys’ contingent in terms of numbers, but this fall at least effort isn’t a problem for head coach Bob Lyons, who directs what is also a mostly youthful group.
“We’re in a fairly tough division overall and a very tough division at top with LaSalle and Barrington, and St. Ray’s (St. Raphael) is on the upswing. But this group works its tail off and they’ve done everything I’ve asked them to do so far,” said Lyons.
The coach credited senior Yanis Benadouda and Wosencroft for their leadership helping to guide what is a small and very young team. The six other runners are all freshmen — Jayden Delgado, Nicholas Heady, Colin Leddy, Jack McKnight, Matthew Patrone and Ryan Stover.
“Grant has been my most consistent performer and the young kids are improving. The kids have served themselves well with the way they’re working and running,” Lyons said.
Included in the training regimen the Townies are following is running on the Pierce Stadium track, the hills on Vets Memorial Parkway and the trails near the Turner Reservior.
“It’s been an enjoyable group. It makes me glad I’m coaching them,” Lyons added. “As far as wins or losses, we have temper expectations, but I hope they improve throughout the season. They’re fun kids to be around, they’re doing what I ask of them and they believe in what we’re doing. As far as qualifying for states, I would say Grant has the best chance at this point, but it depends on how much times improve if anyone else has a chance.”

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Mike Rego

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.