27-01-2025
Longmeadow cross country state champions honored at state house in Boston
BOSTON (WWLP) – Fresh off their historic 2024 state championship victory, the Longmeadow High School boys' cross country team was honored at the Massachusetts State House on Monday.
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State Representative Brian Ashe and State Senator Jake Oliveira celebrated the team's achievement, marking the first state title in the program's history. The Longmeadow Lancers secured their Division II state championship on November 16, 2024, with an impressive team performance.
Competing against 23 other teams, they earned 101 points, finishing over 30 points ahead of runner-up team from Marblehead. Their success was a testament to depth and teamwork, with the top five runners placing 18th, 20th, 21st, 35th, and 37th.
During the visit, the Lancers were formally recognized in both the House and Senate chambers. Ashe and Oliveira praised the team for their dedication, teamwork, and outstanding representation of Longmeadow on a statewide level.
'It's always a thrill to have a championship team from our district come to the State House to be recognized,' Ashe said. 'It's even more special when it's the first state championship in school history. My heartfelt congratulations to the Longmeadow High School boys' cross country team, and Coach James Flaherty and Assistant Coach Mark Staples on their Division II State Championship.'
Senator Oliveira echoed the sentiments, highlighting the team's perseverance and collective achievement.
'The Longmeadow Lancers boys' cross country team exemplifies the power of perseverance, hard work, and community pride,' Oliveira said. 'These young men have set a standard of excellence to inspire future generations of Longmeadow runners for years to come. It was an honor to host these champions at the State House and recognize their remarkable achievement.'
The day's events included a guided tour of the historic State House, where the team learned about Massachusetts' legislative process and the importance of civic engagement. The legislators also provided a pizza lunch in one of the State House's hearing rooms, offering the athletes and their coaches an opportunity to relax and reflect on their accomplishments.
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