Running To Prove Something

The will run carrying extra weight during Saturday's Hockomock League championships.

The chip on the Eagles' shoulders is from losing three meets by less than 10 points, captains Josh Arons and Michael Dupuis said this week.

"We'd like to beat some of the teams that we lost to in point scoring," said Arons, a senior, mentioning Foxborough, Stoughton, Franklin and possibly King Philip.

"I've learned that growth and development is very possible. Unfortunately, we lost a lot of nail biters.

"The season can be defined as development and multiple missed opportunities throughout the board. We've improved in every event since last year."

The meet starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury.

"We have a chip on our shoulders going into spring," said Dupuis, a junior, and Sharon's distance captain.

"They don't expect us to do well. That's probably our biggest advantage. We have a great shot, really."

Arons expects Sharon to do well in the 4 by 400 relay; the 50-yard dash, where he and senior Vladimir Nere will compete; the 600 meter hurdles, featuring junior Dan Scribner; the 50-yard hurdles, featuring junior Xander Bennett; the shot put, where junior David Dones is "close to qualifying for the States"; and the long jump, a non-scoring event, featuring junior Conor Hichens.

Dupuis added junior Ben Ryter and sophomore Jared Fogel in the 1000 meters.

After hard workouts earlier in the week, the Eagles spent the balance "going over little mistakes that we've made," Arons said.

"For example, going over sprinting form if you're a sprinter. Working on your race strategy, if you're a distance runner," he said.

The Eagles think they've come a long way since Foxborough beat them 45-41 on Dec. 11 in their season opener.

"It makes us want to work harder, especially to do better in the spring season," Arons said.