Oliver Ames Winter Track Teams Look to Continue Dominance

Coming off three straight Davenport Division titles, the Oliver Ames boys and girls winter track teams are looking to continue their dominance in 2012-2013.

While the 2-0 girls are well on track, the boys faced a setback last week in a difficult loss to Sharon. It was the first Davenport Division loss for the Tigers since the two-tier league was formed.

Oliver Ames coach Mike Darling hopes the boys turn things around Saturday.

"I absolutely expect the boys to bounce back in the Foxboro meet," he said. "The meet against Sharon was a great close meet."

Both the boys and the girls defeated Milford to kick off the season before facing Sharon last week. The boys are led by captains Danny Lambert, Austin Snyder, Bill Hamilton and Bobby Kline. Girls captains are Alecia Alleyne, Megan Fitzgerald, and Rachel Namenson. 

"In the first two meets our returning veterans have really done well," Darling said. "On the boys side, Dan Moverman has qualified for the state in the mile and two mile already, as has Billy Hamilton in the shotput and Isaiah Matier in the long jump and Connor Donovan in the 600 meter.

"For the girls, Darragh McLaughlin is healthy and has qualified in the 600 meter, as has Olivia Mileika in the high jump with a leap of 5'2" which was her best last year.  Christina Franciosi is tearing up the league in the 55 m hurdles , qualifying for the states and bringing down her time in every meet so far and Maggie Harding has qualified in the mile."

Darling said some newcomers have already stepped up as well.

"Some Freshman have made their mark already," he said. "Kasey Hayes [has made her mark] in the 300meter and Lindsay Jerome in the 600 meter. Seniors Nicole Taylor in the hurdles, Maggie Harding in the mile and 2mile and Imani Parks in the shotput have been leading the way in the first two victories."

While the loss to Sharon stung on the boys side, Darling still has hope that both his teams will once again capture a Davenport Division Title.

Saturday's meet against Foxborough will be pivotal, he said.

The meet will be held at 3:30 at Boston University.

"My expectations for the year is to win the Davenport with the girls team and hope another team can beat Sharon to maybe help the boys be co-champions," he said. "We're looking to repeat as Girls All Hockomock league champions, something that has never happened in school history. 

"[I'm also] Hoping to have the boys team clicking on all cylinders to possibly win the All Hockomock league as underdogs, then to do well in state competition. I am looking for both teams to win big this Saturday."