It just happens in high school — an athlete who has done so much for the school and embodies the goals and principles of a program dons a cap and gown, and that’s it, they’re gone.
The Masconomet High School girls cross-country team lost the heart and soul of its 2011 team, Class of 2012 graduate and 2011 team captain Mackenzie Shelgren. She ran in two state championship meets, finishing fifth overall in the 2011 Division 1 state title run at Franklin Park. “We lost her and Lily D’Agostino [35th out of 179 runners in the D-1 title run], but we have a good core of returning runners,” said veteran coach Joe Casey.
Casey is not sure who will be able to put in racing performances like those Shelgren put forth last year, which included finishing second in the Cape Ann League championship and second in the EMass Division 2 race.