MHS Girls Outdoor Track team. Photo submitted by David Londino.
The Malden High Outdoor Track and Field team ended their 2018-2019 season with an outstanding record of 13-1. The girls went 7-0 and the boys went 6-1. The girls team was also crowned the Northeast Conference Division 1 Champions.
Head coach David Londino is incredibly proud of this seasons outcome and the sheer amount of effort contributed by each and every athlete on the team. Londino explains that one of the key moments of the season was when junior Jean Gerard was competing in hurdles, when he hit the last hurdle and injured his finger. While Londino gave the option to sit out the rest of the meet, Gerard did otherwise. He went on to win the shot put and discus event. “[Londino] thinks it made people think about toughness, determination, and doing what it takes for the team.”
When asked about athletes who have gone above and beyond this season, Londino states, “honestly, the whole team is great.” There are certain athletes like Gerard, junior Omar Asousy, senior Shateaya Smith, junior Pryanna Alper and junior Isabella Machado who are “locks to win at least two events per meet.”
Many records were set, in the shot put and discus throw, Smith threw 36’ 1’ in shot put and 106’ in the discus throw. Danaika Cherichel jumped 32’ in the triple jump.
Junior Isabella Machado has been on the outdoor team for 3 years and the indoor team for two (her sophomore and junior year). Machado sees that the biggest upsides of the season has been the wins against Revere. “The meet against Revere was the one [they have] been training for all season.” Machado said her favorite meet was the NEC meet as she set a new school record in the two mile run.
Machado states, “For incoming freshman, if you are looking for a team that’s more like a family, and if you are trying to find a sport that will push your limits then join the track team.”
