Beware Greater Boston League, these Mustangs are on the move.
As he heads into a new year, Medford High boys track coach Tommy Lynch is anticipating big things from his squad this season.
“We had an enormous turn out of almost 60 participants [at tryouts],” said Lynch, who enters his third year as head coach, 19th overall with the program.
And when you add into that equation a handful of established performers returning to the fold, this could be the team to watch this season.
Leading the way for the Mustangs are senior tri-captains Nate Clement and Jeff Chambers. The defending Greater Boston League champion in the shot put, Clement appears poised for another title defense. Although he’s coming off knee surgery, Chambers (300 meter) is expected to return to the lineup in the next few weeks. Both are expected to be top performers in their respective events.
Medford also has some long-range plans for seniors Brian Bourne and captain Stephen Mahoney. Bourne had developed into one of the top distance runners in the league, with Mahoney right on his tail. Lynch feels the two teammates will help push the other even further throughout the season.
“Stephen should make some headlines as a strong miler and two miler,” Lynch said. “He could give Brian a run for his money.”
According to Lynch both runner dominated recent time trial in the mile with Bourne finishing in 5:04 and Mahoney close behind at 5:10. it should make for an interesting 1-2 punch for Medford this season.
And there is plenty more where that came from.
Patrick Coughlin continues to astound in the hurdles. A GBL champion in outdoor track hurdles, Coughlin lost only one league event and will look to duplicate that feat in the great indoors.
Senior Nick Patten will keep the pace as the Mustangs top sprinter. He is also expected to deliver in the 55-meter dash.
And there’s no telling with seniors such as Stephen Lee could also have in store.
“Stephen should surprise a lot of people in the 600 meter run,” Lynch said. “He’s coming off a very successful fall season and seems to be in great shape.”
According to Lynch Medford’s top eight athletes share a common goal.
“All of those athletes are making it a goal to qualify for the State Meet, Feb 16.”