The Hopkinton High School unified track and field team, which combines athletes with intellectual disabilities and team partners from the school, was bigger this year than last. And coach Chip Collins said the growth manifested itself in more than just the numbers.
“We had a few new partners and athletes this season, it’s always great to add onto the team,” Collins said near the end of the 2025 season.
“Every year, it just keeps getting more and more fun,” Collins added. “The quality of the partners who are coming out is great, they are fully invested in it. They understand that they have to compete at their best level. It’s been an absolutely great season with nice friendships and bonds developed.”
From a meet interrupted by a microburst that sent everyone scurrying to the gym to the number of personal records that fell on a weekly basis, the season was filled with memorable moments.
Leading the way for the athletes is captain Kelsey Carlson, who first joined the team in 2017 and competed in the 18-to-22 division.
“It’s been great having her,” Collins said. “She is a super role model.”
Junior John Murray is someone his coach described as the “spark plug of the team,” constantly firing up everyone else ahead of meets and leading the stretching routines.
Collins called Jennifer Zhang a “spitfire” and said freshman Avery Schacht has been a great addition to the team. Kartik Sharma runs a solid 800 meters for the Hillers and has been a strong competitor in the javelin, Collins said. Two other new athletes to the program included Landon Rockhold, a freshman, and Aurora Kesner, who completed her eighth grade year this spring.
“It was great to have an eighth grader on the team,” Collins said. “It helps her get ready for high school, and she can make friends early so that when she comes to high school, she feels comfortable.”
Nikhil Tenneti and Tanush Vuda were two more successful athletes this spring.
Hopkinton also had strong partners this spring, including captain Connor Minogue.
“He is a great role model for all of our athletes,” Collins said. “He is going into special education for his career, which is awesome. He has a calling.”
Among the other partners were Molly Muldoon and Elise O’Brien, who participated in a varsity sport for the first time. Collins had high praise for the addition of freshman partner Eabha O’Callaghan.
“She is wonderful,” he said. “She has been amazing with every single one of the athletes. She is the glue, she fits right into the team.”
Chris Resnick, a varsity hockey player, is another strong partner. The team also included partners Raegan Breen, Alyssa Budden, Alyson Green, Lila Harper, Ana MacPherson, Angelina Parker, Natalie Waxman and Sealan Zhang. Collins said all of the partners provide support and a strong human connection to their teammates.
“We are all one team,” he said. “They work together and cheer each other on. It’s just been great.”
This is so wonderful! Chip Collins is a fantastic teacher and Coach but most importantly and all-around great role model for all!