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North Andover's Tapper a Fab Frosh

Saturday, April, 16 By David Willis
Staff writer

HAVERHILL — North Andover freshman Trinity Tapper made the mistake of asking the question before the finals began.

“I was thinking the other girls were around my age,” she said. “Then I asked and they were all junior and seniors. It was kind of nerve-wracking to think about how much older than me they were.”

No matter, as the Scarlet Knights youngster flew to victory in the 100 meter dash in 13.27, edging Maeve Swanton of Reading (13.41) and Kiana Bueno of Haverhill (13.46).

“I was confident I would make the finals, but I knew those girls were quick,” said Tapper. “I had to calm myself down before the race and stay loose. The race was so close, but I didn’t look back and I was just determined to win. It felt so great.”
Samuel takes on 400
Already owner of the Eagle-Tribune area records in both the 100 and 200, Methuen’s Wileshka Samuel was excited for a new challenge on Saturday.
“Everybody knows me for my short sprints,” she said. “So when coach (Nick Collopy) suggested I try something new and run the 400 I thought that would be so much fun.”
Samuel won the seeded head in 1:00.69, and ended up second overall, falling to Billerica’s Alyssa Harris (1:00.67) by the slimmest of margins.
“I actually love the 400,” said Samuel. “It was the first race I ran when I started track and I run some relays. I obviously love the sprints, but the 400 is fun.”
Samuel also ran on the 4x100 that won in a meet-record 51.51. She was joined by Kacey DePina, Megan Hamel, and Jurnie Raschke.
Timberlane’s Renahan now a veteran
One season ago, Timberlane’s Elise Renahan was the new girl in town.
The junior was in her first year of track, and the Haverhill Invitational was her first taste of a big time meet. One year later, however, she was more than ready for the moment.
Renahan surged to victory in the 200 in 26.70, more than a second ahead of No. 2 Vanessa Norton of Nashua South (27.87).
“I didn’t really know what to expect because I had an injury at the end of winter track,” she said. “I was going to see how it went when I started. I felt good, I took first and I finished it off.
“I feel like I have improved a lot in the last year. It took me a while to learn the sport and get in shape for track. I was nervous then. Now I feel much more confident.”
Kimball steps up late
Timberlane’s Liam Kimball had work to do on the final 400 meters of the mile, sitting in third place after three laps.
“It was what I was looking to do,” he said. “I wanted to come out slow so that I could finish strong. And that’s what I did in the final 600. I controlled myself and waited to make my move.”
Kimball did make the move, and won the race in 4:28.59. Andrew Ernest of Marblehead was second (4:32.88).
“He had a lot of speed so I couldn’t wait too long to go for it,” said Kimball. “I just kind of put my head down, made my move and had to remember that someone was right behind me and I had to finish strong.”