Hopkinton High School girls track and field coach Jean Cann is not used to having so many dual meets packed into the schedule at the start of the season, but that is how things fell this winter.
Even with a busy December, Hopkinton won three of its first four dual meets, falling only to powerhouse Holliston, and Cann is excited for the many strong individual showings the Hillers have put together ahead of the end-of-season competitions.
“We have had some great performances,” Cann said. “We have a lot of people running personal bests, and some great leadership on the team.”
One thing that has stood out for Hopkinton this winter is its depth. Against Holliston, the Hillers won only two events, but the number of second- and third-place finishes the team was able to secure kept the meet close.
That is not to say that Hopkinton lacks top-end talent. One of the team’s top scorers is Josie Hopkins. A senior captain, she is ranked first in the Tri-Valley League in the long jump and second in the hurdles, and she also is among the top athletes in the high jump, shot put and dash.
“She is pretty versatile,” Cann said. “She is a multi-eventer, and she thrives on doing different things.”
Junior Abby Burke is another versatile contributor. While she has focused on the shot put and sprints this winter, she also has done well in the 300 and some of the jumping events.
Hopkinton has benefited from a strong junior class that gained significant experience last winter as sophomores. Grace Gallagher is a standout hurdler. Isabel Walker hurdles and jumps and runs some of the shorter events. Kylie Rogers is a “phenomenal” hurdler, her coach said, and is ranked in the top five in the TVL.
“She is also a hard worker,” Cann said. “She will hop into jumps and do whatever she can do.”
Hopkinton’s depth in the distance events is driven by seniors Elyse Srodawa and Bridgid Cavanaugh along with juniors Meaghan Burdulis and Chloe Tumbleton. Malia Grant has put together a strong season in the middle distance races, following a TVL All-Star performance during cross country season.
Juniors Kaelyn Faber and Emma Prisco are having a good winter, and some of the team’s younger athletes have stood out. Freshman Emily Miller has shown tremendous promise in the high jump while sophomore Callie Owens, a first-year track athlete, has the fastest dash time on the roster.
Cann said the leadership of the team’s captains — Cavanaugh, Hopkins, Ava Carboni, Natalie Nguyen and Alina Zhu — has been invaluable.
“They involve the whole team and, between the five of them, they cover every event,” Cann said. “They have all been great leaders.”
It is wonderful to see the hard work and talent of these student/athletes recognized.
Terrific feedback for their effort and dedication!