Wendi Marciano
Age: 18
High school: Beverly High
Year in school: Senior
Sport: Indoor Track
You ran the second leg of Beverly's 4x800 relay team that finished third in the Eastern Mass D2 State Meet. Were you girls pleased with the performance?
Very pleased. I have a lot of experience at the Reggie Lewis Center; competing there makes you go faster because you get excited that there's more competition to go against. Our goal was to make all-states and we did just that.
Even with Beverly, Peabody and Marblehead all going 6-1 in the league this winter, did you have any idea the Northeastern Conference Meet would be that close?
I thought it would because we're all strong teams, but I had no idea it would come down to tenths of a second (Beverly and Peabody tied for the title with 76.5 points each).
How did this year's meet compare to the league meets of years past?
This was a little different because if we won the last meet, we'd have the whole title. We already were guaranteed a shot at the title, so that was good.
You've seen some very strong competitors come and go the last four years in the BHS track program. Who had the most influence on you and why?
Monica Adler and Millie Chapman, because they had such successful high school careers and were very good role models. They were All-Americans and we went to Nationals and relays together, and that got me experience with bigger competitions. It made me want to strive for more because they were so good.
How does coach Dave Jellerson keep the team competitive year in and year out?
Coach is constantly motivating us and tells us what we're capable of. He's a very good, very talented coach and knows how to train everyone differently. He knows people's different abilities, and he's really supportive.
How tough is it to transition from cross country to indoor track?
Personally, I like sprints more than distance. It's not too hard; once I get into the routine, I get used to it. Cross country helps keep me in shape and I get confidence from that, too.
What are your plans for life after high school?
I'm not sure where I want to go to college yet, but I'm really excited to study either exercise physiology or nursing.
COMING UP NEXT: Marciano and the Panthers' 4x800 relay team will compete in All-States Sunday (1 p.m.) back at the Reggie Lewis Center.
— Compiled by Dan Harrison
