CHS distance runners shine at Falmouth Festival

Lauren Raffetto leads the pack in the Tommy Cochary High School Mile at Falmouth High School. (Courtesy of Treat PR)

CHS distance running standouts Lauren Raffetto and Addy Azar sent a message to Massachusetts high school cross country teams that the Bulldogs will definitely be a factor again this upcoming season with a strong showing in the Tommy Cochary High School Mile, a prestigious invitational that’s part of the annual Falmouth Track Festival presented by ASICS.

Raffetto, competing in the event for the first time, went wire-to-wire to capture the girls championship with a sub-5:00 finish, while Azar took fifth overall with a very strong time of 5:14.

Both Raffetto, a senior captain on this year’s CHS girls cross country team, and Azar, a rising junior, were selected to race in the high school elite mile race held Friday, August 14, in Falmouth. CHS girls outdoor track coach Anna Amico said the goal of the selection process is to invite the best athletes in Massachusetts who also embody the underlying values of the race and who “make smart choices” in their lives. Field size was limited to a maximum of 10 high school boys and 10 high school girls as the selection process considered character as well as athletic performance.

Brian Gotsell, head cross country coach at CHS, said both Canton runners were selected to compete in what the race director called the toughest year yet to gain entry, with an exceptionally deep field of deserving athletes. The Falmouth Road Race High School Mile was created in 2010 and featured only athletes from schools located on Cape Cod, but in 2011 it was renamed the Tommy Cochary High School Mile and opened to athletes from across the state.

Amico said Raffetto ran a confident and smart race from the start. “She wasn’t afraid to take the lead and control the pace, but remained patient and composed,” she said. “With about 200 meters remaining, she made her move and never looked back, showing the closing speed that has become one of her greatest strengths and signatures. Once she shifted gears she dominated the final stretch. It is no secret that Lauren has the best kick in Massachusetts distance running, and it was great to see her show that yet again on a big stage.”

Raffetto closed with a 68 second final lap and crossed the finish line in 4:59.77, earning the gold medal.

Amico said it was another impressive performance from Raffetto, but what continues to stand out most is her competitiveness and composure. “She has developed an incredible ability to trust herself in big moments. After everything she accomplished this past spring track season, including becoming Canton’s first individual All-State champion, it was great to see her carry that confidence into another championship race.”

Amico added, “Finding out that Lauren is the first Hockomock League girls runner to win the Tommy Cochary High School Mile makes the accomplishment even more special. It is another great milestone for Lauren and for our program.”

Lauren Raffetto and Addy Azar

Amico said Azar also competed well, putting herself right in the lead pack from the beginning and never backing away from the competition. She battled all the way through the finish and ran 5:14, the second-fastest mile of her career. “Addy continues to show that she belongs among the best distance runners in the entire state,” said Amico.

“I truly believe Lauren and Addy are the best one-two combination in Massachusetts,” Amico added. “As talented as they are, what makes coaching them special is how hard they work and how much they support one another and their teammates. They are great leaders and competitors who continually push each other to improve while also genuinely wanting the other to succeed.”

Amico said this was also a meaningful event for both athletes to be part of. The mission behind the Tommy Cochary High School Mile and its emphasis on healthy choices gives the race a purpose beyond competition. “Seeing Lauren and Addy represent Canton so well, both as athletes and as young women, is yet another reason I am extremely proud to be their coach. I have no doubt that these two will help to lead the girls cross country team this fall to amazing feats, and I can’t wait to have them back on the track next spring for one last season together.”

Gotsell noted that this was a great showing for CHS girls cross country prior to the season startup in a few weeks. “I could not be prouder of Lauren and Addy,” he said. “They represented Canton proudly on one of the biggest stages in the Massachusetts running community. As they close out their summer training, I cannot wait to see them showcase their speed on the trails this upcoming cross-country season. With the summer season winding down, both Raffetto and Azar have given Canton plenty to be excited about heading into cross country. If Friday night was any indication, their speed and competitive spirit should make for an exciting season ahead.”

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