By HockomockSports.com Staff

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please note, HockomockSports reached out to all coaches seeking information for our annual previews.

2024-2025 Hockomock Indoor Track Preview

Canton

2023-2024 Boys Record: 1-4
2023-2024 Girls Record: 3-2
Coach: Anna Amico & Brian Gotsell
Fresh off a fifth-place finish at Hocks last year, the Canton girls team brings back a lot of its top point scorers from a season ago and will be looking to make a splash this winter.

Senior captains Klara Redquest, Kenzie Bennett, and Sally Hoban set the tone for this hardworking group. All three will have a big impact on the team at different events. Redquest is a veteran of the distance events and the Bulldogs boast two top returners there in junior Nora Giannacopoulos, who took third at Hocks in the 1000M, and junior Lexi Piazza, who is coming off a strong debut in cross country and was third at Hocks in the 600M last year. Along with that trio, Maddie Driscoll and indoor track newcomer Natalie Hales will give Canton a lot of depth in the distance events. Hoban is a leader in both the jumps and throws; the volleyball standout will also give Canton some points in the hurdles and sprints. Senior Kailyn Durham (shot put) and sophomore Grace Martinek (long jump) could score key points as well.

Martinek will be joined by Chloe Dubuisson to anchor the sprints this winter after both scored well in both spring and indoor track last school year. Bennett (hurdles) and classmate Kate Sheil (sprints) are also in the mix to score for Canton.

“This is an exciting group who works hard every day, encourages one another, has fun, and competes every day,” said head coach Anna Amico. “There is much potential and we are excited to work every day to reach it!”

On the boys side, the Bulldogs are looking to have an improved season after going 1-4 in the dual meets. With nearly 50 athletes, it’s the largest boys team in recent memory. Head coach Brian Gotsell will turn to captains Pranav Addanki, Christian Hanlon, and Riley Swearingen to lead the way. Hanlon, fresh off a strong cross country season, will be a top option for the Bulldogs in the 300M and the long jump, Addanki competes in the 1000M, and Swearingen is the go-to option on the distance events. Casey Lee and Angel Assad are new to indoor track but had successful spring seasons and will look to contribute in the sprints and jumps. John Martinek handles both the 55M hurdles and the 400M hurdles.

Adding depth to the middle distance along with Addanki are Dalton Wong, Sam Siegal, Shawn Smith Manzi, and Ben Weaver, while Swearingen is joined by Tristan Grant and Tyler Baird in the distance events.

“We are a young team with a lot of passion and desire,” Gotsell said. “I am hopeful and excited to see what we can do in the Davenport this winter.”

Franklin

2023-2024 Boys Record: 5-0 (Kelley-Rex division champions)
2023-2024 Girls Record: 5-0 (Kelley-Rex division champions)
Coach: Nick Bailey & Paul Trovato
The Franklin girls have won three straight Hockomock championship meet titles, including back-to-back convincing wins, and with a strong mix of returners and some new additions, the Panthers are in a position to compete for a fourth in a row.

It’s hard to ignore the talent the Panthers, including Hock champs Sophia Cuneo and Sarah Dumas, and the Panthers’ talented trio at shot put: Lily Deforge, Liz Hopkins, and Darby Nicholson. But the athletes Franklin does bring back this winter are cause for optimism. Senior Ella Chandaria has experience in a variety of events and will help anchor the hurdles and sprints along with classmate Sophie Arena, junior Jossie Camp, and sophomore Meghan Markarian. Chandaria will also lead the way for the shot put with classmates Allie Brown and Molly Kruse. The jumps will feature Camp and Markarian along with senior Lainey Costa and sophomore Callie Joyce.

Costa and Joyce are also a part of Franklin’s mid-distance and distance crews, which will also get contributions from senior Meghan Griffith and juniors Madison Bruno, Savannah Copeland, and Stella Nappa. Junior Sadie Kent and freshmen Phoebe Cuneo and Grace Marinella are candidates to help bolster the sprints while a large contingent of underclassmen — sophomores Annabelle Santiago and Olivia Wrobleski along with freshman Madison Griffith, Hannah Griffith, Hannah Dulong, and Samanthan Feigan — should add depth in the mid-distance and distance events. The shot put will feature newcomers Monica McIntyre and Ella Marzullo, along with Marinella.

“The combination of both veterans and new members should provide the team with the necessary athletes to make the team competitive in the Kelley-Rex Division of the Hockomock League,” said longtime head coach Paul Trovato.

The boys also have some key athletes back spread across all events and have a chance to compete for the Hock title after a third-place finish last year. The reigning Kelley-Rex division champs will have some stiff competition in the dual meets but there is a very strong group of returners eager to defend the crown. Junior Stephon Reed is back to compete in the 55M dash and 4×200 relay — two events in which he placed in at Hocks last year — as well as the high jump. Senior Aidan Thorne is another top returning sprinter and will look to compete with the best in the long jump. Senior Jack Halter had an impressive PR at Hocks last year with a third place in the 1000M and will also be a key piece in Franklin’s 4×400 and 4×800 relays. Cross country standout Jonathan Pink is back to anchor the distance events for the Panthers while Cole Sidwell is coming off a strong year on the gridiron to help lead the shot put. Alex Fioravanti and Kyle Twomey will add depth to the distance events, and John Duffy (sprints) and Pete Gubka (hurdles) will also help in the jumps.

“This group knows how hard it is to be successful in this league and with two weeks of practice in the books, are ready to start competing in the coming weeks,” said head coach Nick Bailey. “Nothing will come easy but we’re excited about where this season will bring us.”

Mansfield

2023-2024 Boys Record: 5-0 (Davenport division champions)
2023-2024 Girls Record: 4-1
Coach: Kevin Butera & Chris Fong
After winning the Hock championship meet title in 2023, the Hornets needed to reload in order to compete again in 2024. Mansfield did just that and walked away with a second straight title last winter. Now the Hornets are ready to reload once again in search of a three-peat.

The Hornets graduated over a half dozen Hock champs from last year but with over 90 athletes on this year’s squad, there are candidates to try and seize those spots. Senior captain Myles Brown is one of the top returning sprinters, fresh off a second-place finish in the 55M dash at Hocks last year, and was also a member of the Hornets’ 4x200M relay that set a new school record. Senior captain Marco Geminiani had a terrific season on the pitch with the Mansfield soccer team and is now back on the track to defend his Hock crown in the 600M while also competing in the 1000M and relays. Mansfield’s two other senior captains are Ben Dury, who was part of the Hock title-winning 4×800 relay team, and Tino Marrese, who steps in as the top hurdler for the Hornets.

There’s even more senior leadership with Kyle Dickinson, Matt Sullivan, and Colby Quersher — all integral pieces of Mansfield’s relay teams as well as mid-distance and distance events. Junior Joey Federline had a strong cross country season and will look to compete with the top runners in the league in the 1 Mile and 2 Mile races. Senior Jared Gardner is another option that Mansfield will turn to in the sprints, hurdles, and jumps, sophomore Ryan Johnson will be a potential scorer in the mid-distance and distance races, and freshman Nikita Cherapuhka is one to keep an eye on as a potential immediate impact runner for the Hornets.

“It’s the same story as always for us…who will step up and fill in the gaps after graduating another tremendous senior class,” said head coach Kevin Butera, who noted the Hornets will need some guys to step up in the sprints, jumps, and throws. “We have a strong returning cast of distance runners that got a lot of experience last winter and spring, that should really be a strength for us. Between our returners and some of the newcomers, we have some great competition for varsity spots that will hopefully really improve that group by the season’s end. The team has a great group of senior leaders that will keep us in the mix for Hocks and beyond.”

Oliver Ames

2023-2024 Boys Record: 2-3
2023-2024 Girls Record: 5-0 (Davenport division champions)
Coach: Kyle Sousa
With two of the top sprinters in the Hockomock League back in the fold this winter, the Oliver Ames girls team is ready to defend its Davenport division crown.

Senior Grace Okocha had a pair of fourth-place finishes in the 55M dash and the 300M at D3 states last year and will be among the top sprinters in both the Hock and the state. Sophomore Lavender Kozaka had a strong winter and that momentum carried over to a terrific spring, including a sixth-place finish at the MIAA Meet of Champions in the 100M dash. That 1-2 punch gives OA one of the best sprint duos in the state. Kozaka is also one of the top returning long jumpers in the Hock. Senior Braelyn Graham is the reigning Hockomock champion in the 1 Mile and is back to defend her crown against a loaded field. Senior Aubrey Thibault will handle hurdles and jumps for OA.

On the boys side, the Tigers are looking to build on last year’s fourth-place finish at Hocks. Junior Patrick Dunlap will be all over the place at the TRACK at New Balance, competing in the hurdles and both the high jump and the long jump. And looking to build on a dominant cross country season, senior Alex Callanan and junior Landon Sarney will anchor the distance events this winter.

Sharon

2023-2024 Boys Record: 4-1
2023-2024 Girls Record: 0-5
Coach: Ben Stoller
Sharon enters the season with some of the top individual talent and there’s a good chance we will see some Eagles competing for titles late in the postseason.

Junior Nina Kyei-Aboagye had a year to remember last school year, with championships in both winter and spring track. In indoors last year, she was the Hock champ in the 300M, second at states, and took second at the MIAA Meet of Champions in the same event. This past spring, she carried the momentum and ran past the competition to win the state title in the 200M. This winter, she will be back competing as one of the top runners in the 55M dash and the 300M, as well as the Eagles’ relays. Senior captains Gabby St. Claire and Callie Weader will add depth in the sprints along with sophomores Eva Lobo Delaney and Maria Emilia Sanchez Verkkonen, and freshman Linda Jenner. Senior captain Sophie Foulger will anchor the distance crew with freshman Michelle Zheng looking to contribute right off the bat.

“It’s very exciting to have someone on our team who can make a legitimate claim to be the fastest girl in Massachusetts,” said Sharon head coach Ben Stoller. “We have a solid supporting cast of sprinters to go along with Nina. Unfortunately, we lack the depth needed to win meets, so this team approaches competitions with an individual mindset. It’s about working hard, being the best you can be every day, and trying to hit those PRs at the meets.”

Speaking of champions, this year’s Hockomock cross country champion Alex Blumen, who is committed to running at Wesleyan University, will look to challenge for the 1 Mile title after finishing third at Hocks last year, as well as the 2 Mile. Senior Josy Brown-Wright is coming over from the basketball team after having a breakout outdoor track season and will be a huge addition to the squad. He was the Hock champ in the 400M hurdles during the outdoor season and this winter he’ll be competing in the 300M and anchor the Sharon 4×400 relay. Junior Tobiah Stessman will be busy on meet nights as he will compete in the hurdles, long jump, and high jump.

On top of Stessman, the Eagles boast a deep hurdles crew that also features senior captain Kaden Tsang and juniors Cole Feifer and Rain Zheng. Senior captain Simon Jenner will be adding shorter races to go along with his usual 600M race, and the distance squad is boosted by cross country standouts Alex Pinnix and Matteo Lozano. Junior Vlad Shkolnikov is hoping his speed will transition from the pitch to the track, senior Tommy Farkas is one of the top sprinters for the Eagles, and freshman Max Moir could be an instant impact runner in the mid-distance races.

“The boys went 4-1 last year, but we have our work cut out for us as we move up to the Kelley-Rex this year,” Stoller said. “We have some serious talent on this team. However, we’re lacking depth compared to the other big schools. Many of our guys will have to step up and score in two or three different events if we want to win meets.”

Athletes to Watch

Alex Blumen, Sharon – Coming off a first-place finish at Hocks in cross country, Blumen will be relied upon for a couple of distance races this winter for the Eagles.

Lauren Bober, Foxboro – Had a breakout year as a sophomore last winter and is now back in the mix in the 300M and relay races.

Myles Brown, Mansfield – One of the fastest sprinters in the league, he will be in the mix for the Hock title in both the 55M dash and 300M. A key member in Mansfield’s relays too.

Alex Callanan, Oliver Ames – Fresh off a top 10 finish at Hocks this fall for cross country, Callanan is back to defend his Hock title from last winter in the 1 Mile race.

Ella Chandaria, Franklin – Whether it’s hurdles, sprints, or throws, Chandaria is one of Franklin’s top competitors.

Emersyn DePonte, Taunton – One of the most experienced runners in the Hockomock League, DePonte will be a top distance runner in her last indoor season.

Chloe Dubuisson, Canton – Dubuisson has plenty of experience competing in a variety of events so she’ll be a crucial piece for the Bulldogs this winter.

Patrick Dunlap, Oliver Ames – Between hurdles, relays, and jumps, Dunlap is going to be busy on meet nights and will account for a lot of potential points for the Tigers.

Taylor Feliciano, Milford – Took fourth last year in the 300M at Hocks and helped the Hawks 4×200 relay team post a league-best time on opening night.

Molly & Katie Galgoczy, North Attleboro – Molly is coming off a second-place finish at Hocks this fall for cross country, and Katie, a Southern Miss commit, is back to compete this winter.

Nick Gallagher, King Philip – Threw a huge PR at Hocks last year to claim second overall and will be competing for the top spot in the shot put this winter.

Marco Geminiani, Mansfield – The defending Hock champ in the 600M will have some stiff competition. After a good fall season on the pitch, Geminiani will be looking for more success this winter.

Chloe Guthrie, Mansfield – One of the fastest sprinters in the league, Guthrie was named a Hock all star last winter.

Jack Halter, Franklin – As a junior, claimed third place in the 1000M at Hocks and started this year with a league-best time in the event.

Madeline Hill, King Philip – Whether it’s in the hurdles, the relays, or the jumps, Hill will be busy competing on meet nights.

Eamonn Kelly, Foxboro – The Warriors are looking for big performances from the junior in distance events and as a member of the relays.

Lavender Kozaka, Oliver Ames – It’s a crowded field in the sprints and Kozaka quickly joined the top pack as a freshman last year.

Nina Kyei-Aboagye, Sharon – Made a huge splash last school year both indoor and outdoor, where she won both the 100M and 200M races at D3 states.

Andrew Luyiga, Stoughton – Coming off a strong season playing center back for the Black Knights, Luyiga will look to make a mark in the high jump this winter.

Aaron Martin, Attleboro – After a strong junior year, Martin is back to compete for the Hock crown in the 300M (third last year) and will be a vital piece on the Bombardiers’ 4×400 relay.

Aloiye Okhipo, Milford – The 55M hurdles is always one of the most competitive events and Okhipo took third at Hocks last year and started this winter with a school record in the event.

Grace Okocha, Oliver Ames – Will challenge for the league title in the sprints and also help OA on its relay teams.

S’staarr Parham, Attleboro – Coming off a strong sophomore year, Parham is one of the top jumpers in the Hock.

Landon Sarney, Oliver Ames – Claimed the Hockomock League title in the 2 Mile last winter as just a sophomore. He will be one of the top distance runners again by the end of the season.

Aidan Thorne & Ethan Thorne, Franklin – These two cover a lot of the events on meet night and are among the best in each one they participate in.

Noah Williams, Attleboro – Had a breakout season in the shot put as just a sophomore and started this season with a PR in the event, a meet-best 49-00.50.