Story and photos by Richard W. Dionne, Jr.
Sophomore Ellery Pacheco placed eighth with a time of 20:30.1 in the RI Class Championships at Ponaganset on Saturday. “I’m really happy with the outcome. This is what I wanted,” Pacheco said after the race. “I have been thinking about this race every day for the past two months. This was my best race of the season.” Her time in the class C race, should be good enough to qualify for the state meet this weekend.
Nick Mercer placed 34th and eclipsed his person best by seven seconds with a time of 18:30.3. The senior, who took time off with injuries before the race, should also qualify for the state meet. “Today was all good,” he said. I felt better than the beginning of the season. I pushed myself because it could have been my last meet.”
The team was led this season by new head coach Jamie Dobson who was the assistant track coach last season. “Nick and Ellery helped with leading the team this season,” said Coach Dobson. “They helped make a good environment for the team.”
Results: Freshman Norah Winslow placed 84th in the girls class C race with a time of 29:14.3. Dylan Combra placed 52nd in the mens class C race with a time of 19:22.9, Aidan Sweeney placed 83rd with a time of 22:35 and Ryan Hite placed 84th with a time of 22:43.9.