Boys & girls crowns shared at BCL meet
Back in March of 2020, it was commonplace to witness schools finishing as co-champions in a wide variety of sports. This was largely due to the onset of a global pandemic, and few thought they would see history repeat itself in quite the fashion it did.
There’s always a first time for everything. In one of the most unique occurrences in Boston City League history you will ever encounter, both the boys and girls 2022 track and field titles were shared.
East Boston and O’Bryant were both named boys champions with 147 team points each. Meanwhile, in a stunning twist, O’Bryant also captured the girls’ crown in conjunction with rival Latin Academy (167 points apiece).
“That was kind of amazing,” said O’Bryant assistant boys track coach Henry Cobb. “I looked over at Coach Ortega, who’s been around for 35 years, if not more. He said he’s never seen that in his whole career. To not only have one, but two teams tie? Never think that would happen, but hey, everything happens nowadays.”
Latin Academy senior Lia Van Der Linde was named the City League’s Girls Runner of the Meet after placing first in both the 100 (12.74 seconds) and the 200-meter dashes (27.77). She also captured first in the long jump competition (14 feet, 11 inches).
“Being a senior, I’m really excited to leave with this win,” said Van Der Linde. “I think I’ve been working really hard for it. Being co-champions, especially with O’B, Courtney Lambright has been one of my competitors for the whole six years being here. Being able to run against them and being with them is something really special.”
Melvin Wiltshire was named the BCL Boys Runner of the Meet for Latin Academy as well, as he took first in the 200 (23.64), and second in the 100 (11.42).
“When they announced co-champions, personally I didn’t believe it at first,” said Wiltshire. “I know my team put in the work. Personally, they’re all the champions to me. I don’t really care about what the numbers or the results say. I know my team put in the work all season. They got to this point, worked, grinded, and they’re the City champions.”
Entering the final race of the day, the boys’ 4×400 relay, O’Bryant needed a lot of dominoes to fall in its favor. The Tigers didn’t just have to find a way to win the race, they needed some help to prevent Latin Academy from clinching the crown outright.
Sometimes fate has a funny way of working itself out. O’Bryant’s team of Brandon Douglas, D’Shaun Slade and Christian Holt set things up for Derrick Samuels, who anchored his team to a victory with a final time of 3:57.13. Tech Boston placed second, allowing the Tigers to draw even in the standings.
“When I got the baton, I just had to go,” said Samuels. “I’m usually the kid at the end who brings it back for us. When Christian carried it to first place, I just knew I had to hold it there. Whatever I had to do, I couldn’t let anyone catch up, or pass me. When I got to the last 200, I sent it, and never looked back.”