Gloucester Alumni

By Dan Guttenplan
Staff writer Gloucester Daily Times

MARBLEHEAD - Add another conference championship banner to the Benjamin A. Smith Fieldhouse rafters for the Gloucester boys indoor track team.

The Fishermen claimed their 12th Northeastern Conference championship in the last 14 years last night with victories over Salem (73-8) and Marblehead (56-25).

The victory over previously undefeated Marblehead (8-1) secured Gloucester's title. The tri-meet sweep increased the team's NEC win streak to 39. The Fishermen have not lost a conference meet since 2003 - also the last season they failed to claim the NEC title.

The Fishermen are 123-4 since 1993 and have claimed six Class B and one All-State championship in that span.

"It feels great to finish my indoor track career without a conference loss," Fishermen captain Peter Asaro said. "We can pass along the tradition to the next class. I don't see it ending any time soon."

Gloucester continued its tradition of dominating the distance events, outscoring Marblehead, 28-8, in the 600, 1,000, mile and 2-mile. A Gloucester athlete placed first in each of the nine individual events.

David Brooks placed first in the 50-meter hurdles (8.4) and high jump (6-11/2). Luis Hernandez (55-meter dash, 6.8), Liam Anastasia-Murphy (mile, 4:40.6), Zac Kendall (300, 40.22), Mario Peritore (shot put, 44-9), John Francis (600), Asaro (1,000, 2:40.7) and Jake Hennessy (2-mile, 10:28) also finished first.

With a win against Danvers Jan. 31, Gloucester will post its 11th undefeated season in the last 14 years.

"We are taught not to expect undefeated seasons," Anastasia-Murphy said. "We know we have to earn it. We go into every meet the same way - competitively."

Following the Danvers meet, Gloucester will begin its championship meet season. The Fishermen will compete in the NEC meet on Feb. 13, plus the Eastern Mass. Division 2 Championship on Feb. 17. Those who qualify will race in the All-State Meet, Feb. 24.

"In the long run, our real focus is on the state meets," Anastasia-Murphy said. "That's where we want to perform well."

Gloucester's Track Dynasty

The Gloucester boys track team is 123-4 since 1993. Here is a year-by-year account.

Year Record Conference ranking

1993-1994 9-0 1st*

1994-1995 8-1 2nd

1995-1996 9-0 1st*

1996-1997 9-0 1st*

1997-1998 8-1 1st*

1998-1999 9-0 1st

1999-2000 9-0 1st**

2000-2001 9-0 1st*

2001-2002 9-0 1st

2002-2003 7-2 3rd

2003-2004 9-0 1st

2004-2005 9-0 1st

2005-2006 10-0 1st

2006-2007 9-0 1st

* Denotes State Class B/C Champions

** Denotes All-State Champions