Bellingham’s Track Teams Are Goal-Oriented Groups
Bellingham track coach Sam Cowell is flanked by his captains — Erik Ormberg and Nina Ames.
By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer
The Bellingham High boys’ and girls’ indoor track teams may not have winning records, but coach Sam Cowell, nevertheless, is pleased with their work ethic, leadership, character and versatility.
Both squads are 1-3 after four meets — their only victory was against Millis and their three losses came against Dedham, Norton and Medway. Now in his second year as coach for both squads, the 47-year-old Cowell admires the way his competitors have strived to reach the goals he set in pre-season practice.
“Our goals were to improve individually, set new personal records and compete in multiple events,’’ he emphasized. “Of course, we want to win, but that will occur if our athletes work hard in practice and strive to be versatile, multiple-event competitors. Hard work leads to self-improvement and that can lead to a better overall record. Being versatile in multiple events and aiming for personal bests maximize the teams’ ability to add points in dual meets.’’
The squads have a balance of youth and veteran competitors, and Cowell likes the strengths they bring to the table.
“We’ve got good overall leadership,’’ he said, “and our older kids are role models. They’re quality student-athletes who work hard in the classroom and have good character. And, both teams are flexible, willing to compete in sprints, distance events or field events.’’
The captains for both teams are seniors Erik Ormberg and Nina Ames. Ormberg runs the mile and high jumps while Ames competes in the hurdles and long jump.
“Both are excellent role models,’’ Cowell noted. “They lead by example and are supportive. They’re quiet leaders who set great examples.
“Erik works hard at improving his speed and he’s able to compete in sprints (dash and 300-meter run). Nina works hard to improve her acceleration to the first hurdle and has made progress on her four-step technique. Previously a high jumper, she’s now displaying lots of natural ability in the long jump.’’
Three seniors who’ve been key contributors are Ryan Ginn (mile, 1000-meter, shot put), Alex Bastek (1000-meter), and James Robey (1000-meter, shot put).
“Ryan is a strong distance runner who’s achieved personal bests in all three of his events and he’s also scoring in all three, Cowell said. “Alex had a strong cross-country season, and that success has carried over to track. His personal best in the 1000-meter run is 3:10.37. James is new to the program but has become our top shot-putter (personal best is 22 feet, 2½ inches). He’s committed to keep improving.’’
Four other senior boys who’ve been consistent are Tristan Staples (two-mile), Lucas Howard (hurdles, 600-meter), Ben Howard (hurdles, 600-meter) and Pranshu Shah (600-meter). “They all work hard, provide depth and are capable of scoring points in their events,’’ said Cowell, who teaches Spanish and French at the Middle School.
Two juniors who are having excellent seasons are Gabe Egan (55-meter, 300-meter, long jump) and Olivia Carney (55-meter, 300-meter). Both are ranked in the Tri Valley League’s top 10 in the 55-meter dash.
Egan’s personal bests are 7.05 seconds in the 55-meter dash, 39.24 seconds in the 300-meter run, and 17 feet, 5 inches in the long jump. Carney’s personal records are 7.54 seconds in the 55-meter dash and 45.16 seconds in the 300-meter run.
“Gabe is an incredible hard worker and a natural leader,’’ Cowell said. “And he’s got excellent speed out of the blocks. Our young competitors seem to gravitate towards him. Olivia has qualified for the Division 5 championships in both her events. She’s working to improve her acceleration from the blocks. When at full speed, she can compete with anyone.’’
After four dual meets, the Blackhawks’ top scorers for the boys are Ormberg (29 points) and Egan (26). For the girls, Carney has 20 points and Ames has 19.
A group of underclassmen who’ve provided depth and scored points are juniors Sydney Bashford (hurdles) and Brady Carroll (long jump); sophomores Alannah Doyle (shot put) and Eli Cowell (hurdles); freshmen Jenna Dormandy (600-meter), Alyssa Gerbrands (high jump) and Eric Mounsey (mile); and eighth-grader Sam Araujo (600-meter). “They’re all improving as the season moves along and they are our future nucleus,’’ Cowell said.
Cowell’s athletic philosophy is “to ensure that our athletes reach their potential and grow in their experience as team contributors.’’ He also hopes his competitors learn valuable life lessons. “It’s important to be committed and to be accountable,’’ he emphasized. “I hope our kids understand the value of hard work and reap the benefits of it and know that being part of something that’s bigger than themselves is very important.’’
A 1995 graduate of Bellingham High, Cowell competed in the hurdles indoors and the 4x400-meter run and the hurdles outdoors. He has a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Kansas and a master’s in education from UMass-Boston. He and his wife Kerry live in Bellingham and have a son (Eli) and a daughter (Olive).
Some of the Blackhawks will compete at the Tri Valley League meet on Feb. 3 at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston and the Division 5 meet is set for Feb. 14, also at the Reggie Lewis Center.
