Sports

Finelli Back on Track

The former Swampscott cross-country coach has returned to his formula for building a running program, this time at St. Mary's in Lynn.

Former Swampscott cross-country Coachhas his formula for building a running program back at work, this time at grades 6-12 St. Mary’s in Lynn.

The school, with an enrollment of 650, did not have a team last year.

So far, 65 St. Mary’s students have expressed interest in running cross-country.

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Among them is a former Swampscott Middle School student, Cullen Coyle, who will be a St.Mary’s freshman.

Finelli will also have two middle school students from Nahant on the team, Lil Sanphy (6th grader) and Sarah Ryan (7th grader).

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Finelli, getting help from his wife, has been recruiting in all the familiar places: the school cafeteria,  by phone and through face-to-face meetings with prospective runners and their parents.

“The admissions staff provided me with a list of all incoming students,” he said. “I emailed over 200 students a letter of introduction with a copy of a brochure about me and the new program.”

He casts a wide net, trying to bring as many runners into the fold as possible, and inspires interest, in part, through the stomach.

Famous for his motivational coaching style and mammoth team breakfasts at his Swampacott home, he recently hosted a cookout for prospective runners and their parents.

Finelli also designed two running courses in the Lynn Woods — a 1.6 mile middle school course and a 2.7 mile varsity and junior varsity course.   

Finelli helped build a at Swampscott High before parting ways late last year after disagreements with the administration over staffing and compensation.

Training for St. Mary's season starts soon.

The first practice is Aug. 25, and the first meet is Sept. 8.

 


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