The Streak is Broken: Pinkerton's Boys Storm to New England Cross Country Glory

The air in North Scituate, Rhode Island, carried a certain electricity last weekend, didn't it? And for the Pinkerton Academy boys' cross country team, that electricity culminated in an absolutely monumental victory – one that, honestly, folks in New Hampshire have been dreaming of for a long, long time. They weren't just good; they were New England champions, and you could practically feel the roar of celebration echo all the way back home.

Think about it: it's been nearly two decades, seventeen years to be exact, since a New Hampshire boys' squad last stood atop that New England podium. Londonderry did it back in 2004, and ever since, our state's talented runners have chased that elusive title. Pinkerton, for once, didn't just chase it; they seized it, shattering that long-standing drought with a performance that felt both dominant and, well, frankly, historic.

This wasn't some fluke, either. Not even close. The Astros, under the steady guidance of Coach Timothy Spears, had been building toward this moment all season, meticulously, thoughtfully. They’d already swept their own state competitions – the Division I title, then the Meet of Champions. But New Englands? That’s the big one, the ultimate test, the place where regional legends are made. And they were ready.

On that course at Ponaganset High School, every stride mattered, every breath counted. Pinkerton accumulated a commanding 109 points, confidently distancing themselves from Connecticut’s Ridgefield, who finished 18 points back. It was a true team effort, of course, but you simply have to tip your hat to individuals like Eliot Medlock, who blazed to third place overall with an incredible 15:23. Not far behind, Finn Christensen-Ruiz clocked a superb 15:52, followed by Nolan Cooney at 15:54. Cullen McCloy and Ben Sauvageau rounded out the scoring, with times of 16:11 and 16:12 respectively – a testament, really, to their collective depth.

Coach Spears, a man who knows a thing or two about cross country, spoke about the strength of his roster. He understood, you see, that winning at this level isn't just about one or two star runners; it's about having a full contingent who can push each other, who can step up when it matters most. Their goal had always been clear: to win New Englands. And with every practice, every race, they honed that collective ambition into a sharp, undeniable reality. The sheer depth of talent and grit they showed was, in truth, quite remarkable.

And let's not forget, New Hampshire's girls’ teams had their own stellar showing that day, too. Exeter finished an impressive third overall, with Portsmouth, Souhegan, Bishop Guertin, Coe-Brown, Keene, Londonderry, and even Pinkerton herself (at 20th) making strong appearances. Individually, Daisy Burnell from Concord snatched second overall, while Mary Kate Finn of Bishop Guertin took fifth. Souhegan's Sheldyn Fisher and Chloe Trudel also showed their class, finishing 11th and 15th, respectively. It was a day, you could say, for New Hampshire running to really shine.

So, there it is. A new chapter in New Hampshire high school sports history. The Pinkerton boys didn’t just run a race; they crafted a legacy, a moment that will surely inspire future generations of athletes across the state. They ran with heart, with skill, and with an undeniable sense of purpose. And for that, honestly, we all cheer.