No one would have blamed Andover's 4x400 relay for being heartbroken, even devastated after falling to Mansfield in the event that decided the All-State crown.
But the Golden Warriors were not about to let it crush them.
"It was really difficult,'' said Adam Vetere. "I felt it for a long time. The coaches convinced me everybody could have done more. This makes it awesome.''
The squad of Vetere, twin brother Mark Vetere, Connor O'Neill and Kerrick Stevens responded to that adversity like champions by staring down Mansfield and beating the Hornets in convincing fashion, 3:22.71 to 3:24.21 to bring home a coveted New England title in their specialty on Friday.
"It's great,'' said O'Neill. "Beating Mansfield and we were second in New England (indoor 2009, outdoor 2009) the last two times."
Returning three members from last year's New England 4x200 relay title team — Christopher McConnell, Mark Vetere, Stevens and Connor O'Neill — the Golden Warriors were marked men. But how did they responded? By running a blistering 1:30.20 for gold in the 4x200, well ahead of second-place Lawrence (1:32.54).
McConnell wasn't done from there. The legendary senior blazed to his second straight New England 55 meter championship with a 6.39 clocking.
"It never gets old," he said, clutching the championship roses and plaque. "People say you should win, but it is always exciting."
Frustrated with a second-place finish at All-States, Andover's Moira Cronin responded in her event, winning the high jump with a 5-9 leap, beating Mansfield junior Kristen McDonagh on misses. McDonagh beat Cronin the same way a week earlier.
"(I said to myself) It's your last jump ever. I have to make this. I have to make a statement,'' said Cronin.
