2023 Division 2B Boys XC Preview

A year ago at Stanley Park 🏞️, the tone was set for the Division 2B XC Boys race 💪. Senior Henry Gartner claimed victory with a tactful 15:19.3 🏆. On the team side, Groton Dunstable secured the boys' title 🥇. The new alignment has truly shaken up the Division, and I'm here to get you ready for what I believe will be the epic Battle of Wrentham! ⚔️ New teams have joined the Division, bringing with them elite athletes, top-tier teams, and legendary coaching. 🏃‍♂️💥

The newcomers to 2B, including Nashoba, Wakefield, Burlington, Danvers, and Amherst Pelham, have turned this particular race into a must-watch event for this Fall 🍂.

But first and foremost, the Defending Champion from 2A, the formidable #MyMainMan Adam Balewicz, has entered 2B with his sights set on repeating as the Divisional Champion 🏅. And he's not alone in this quest—Connor Acierno and Matt Basteri are there to support Nashoba in their push for a post-season team success 🏃‍♂️👥. While the Sachems might not have the deepest lineup yet, Coach TJ Smith has one of the most talented runners in the field, Lekan Sotonwa, entering his Junior Year 🎽. Carter Rauch, the Bedford Boys' leading returner, is determined to better his time. Nevan Kelley from Grafton High School will be vying for a podium spot 🥈. David Pinero-Jacome embodies the grit of Amherst Pelham's Western Mass Tradition, representing the 413 area code with pride 💪. The Wayland Duo, Luke Chisum and Owen Williams, will be making a name for themselves, along with #MyMainMan Caleb Barnes and Adam Caldwell from Melrose 🏃‍♂️. At the top of the Boys 2B, it's a showdown! Keep your eyes peeled for Nathan Gartner, representing Falmouth with those NO JOKE genes are driving him to make his mark 🏃‍♂️🌟. William Child and Ashland show promise, while Theodore King-Pollet remains a constant threat. HAMP is in the house! 🙌

In the team battle, things are getting serious. Danvers is home to a force to be reckoned with, and I'm not just talking about Saint John's Prep. Kudos to the culture and coaching staff at Danvers, who've truly earned their props 🙌. The Danvers Boys, led by Sean Moore & Will Conklin, are eyeing the prize 🏆. Don't count out Burlington—Legendary Coach Matt Carr will have Colin Irwin geared up. Meanwhile, Ludlow, led by Joseph Keroack, is ready to make some serious noise 🗣️. Keep an eye out for Longmeadow Boys, who are moving in the right direction 🏃‍♂️.

Now, in just 74 days, the looming questions will finally be answered. Can the two-time Division 2 State Champions, the Wakefield Warriors, do it again? Despite losing senior leaders Leith Jones and Ben Stratton, I have confidence in top returners like Michael Arria and Oliver Polster, as well as newcomer Liam Taggart. The Nett Twins (Andrew & Brandon) are led by the legendary Coach Perry Pappas, who undoubtedly understands the task at hand and will have the Warriors ready for battle 💪.

Here are some top returners to keep an eye on (in no particular order):

Adam Balewicz (Nashoba), Lekan Sotonwa (Middleboro), Liam Taggart (Wakefield), Colin Irwin (Burlington), Caleb Barnes (Melrose), Carter Rauch (Bedford), Luke Chisum (Wayland), Sean Moore (Danvers), David Pinero-Jacome (Amherst Pelham), Nevan Kelley (Grafton), William Conklin (Danvers), Michael Arria (Wakefield), Ethan Halpern (Longmeadow), Joseph Keroack (Ludlow), Charlie Klatka (East Longmeadow), Theodore King-Pollet (Northampton).

And here are some top teams to watch out for: Danvers, Ludlow, Longmeadow, Nashoba Regional, Amherst-Pelham, Wayland, Newburyport, Holliston, Wakefield.

Lastly, here's is COACH H Sleepers "Look Out" list of runners to keep an eye on, courtesy of Coach H: Oliver Polster (Wakefield), Atley Phinney (Middleboro), Jonathan Rooney (Danvers), William Child (Ashland), Luca Domestico (Ashland), Nathan Gartner (Falmouth), Henson Luke (Holliston), Drew Cassino (Newburyport), Adam Caldwell (Melrose), Brandon Nett (Wakefield), Krish Almeida (Burlington). 🏃‍♂️🔥

Get ready, because in 74 days, it's going to be an exhilarating showdown on the XC course! 🏃‍♂️🏆🍁 #D2B2023 #TopReturners #TopTeams #CoachHSleepers