Three meets, three wins

The boys varsity race came last. By then, the JV and girls varsity runners had already covered the course, and Mansfield’s boys were gathering beside the trees. Arms around shoulders, a close circle, then hands raised before the walk to the line.

Mansfield had won its first two dual meets. There was a third starting line ahead.

Green and yellow along the course

Once they were away, the runners crossed the open field and began to spread out. Green and yellow came through together on the gravel, shoes lifting clear of the ground. Later passes brought smaller groups into view.

From beside the course, the gaps were easier to see on the grass. A pair came around the edge of the trees; elsewhere, two Mansfield runners moved side by side. Spectators watched from beside the tape as the field continued past.

The order at the finish

Nikita Cherapukha came home first in 16:33. Walter Stock followed in 16:48, with King Philip’s Michael Joseph third in 17:01. Bobby Stock was fourth in 17:08.

The next places mattered to the score, too. Liam Keleher finished fifth for King Philip, Barrett Reynolds sixth for Mansfield, and Charlie Moon seventh for King Philip. Everett Foster was eighth and Jacob Hyre ninth for Mansfield.

A third win

Mansfield’s scoring places were first, second, fourth, sixth, and eighth: 21 points to King Philip’s 36. Walter, Bobby, Barrett, Everett, and Jacob all recorded personal bests in the posted results; Nikita recorded a season best.

Afterward, the runners stood together on the grass again. Three races had filled the afternoon, and Mansfield’s boys had made it three dual meets and three wins.