Wakefield Boys Clinch Division IV Indoor Track Title

Wakefield overcomes adversity to win team championship at Massachusetts state meet

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Wakefield High School boys indoor track and field team overcame a hamstring injury to their anchor runner in the 4x800 meter relay to clinch the Division IV state championship on Friday. Led by first-place finishes from JaMauri Belmer in the long jump and high jump, Wakefield edged out Newburyport and Pembroke for the team title with 56 points.

Why it matters

Wakefield's victory is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, as they faced challenges throughout the season due to renovations at their high school that limited their practice time. The win also highlights the strong performances of Western Massachusetts athletes at the state meet.

The details

In the final lap of the 4x800 meter relay, Wakefield captain Isaac Melo pulled his hamstring, putting the team's chances of winning the title in jeopardy. However, Melo gutted out the final lap, holding off runners in third and fourth place to secure a second-place finish and clinch the team championship for Wakefield. The Warriors were led by Belmer's first-place finishes in the long jump and high jump.

  • The state indoor track and field meet took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Wakefield High School

The boys indoor track and field team from Wakefield High School, which overcame adversity to win the Division IV state championship.

Isaac Melo

The senior captain of the Wakefield High School boys indoor track and field team, who gutted out the final lap of the 4x800 meter relay despite a hamstring injury to secure a second-place finish and clinch the team title.

JaMauri Belmer

A Wakefield High School athlete who won the long jump and high jump events at the state meet, contributing to the team's championship victory.

Ruben Reinoso

The head coach of the Wakefield High School boys indoor track and field team, who praised his team's resilience and determination in overcoming adversity to win the state title.

Newburyport High School

The runner-up team in the Division IV state indoor track and field meet, finishing behind Wakefield.

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What they’re saying

“He gutted it out. That is the most amazing thing I think I've ever seen in all my years coaching. … I couldn't believe it.”

— Ruben Reinoso, Head Coach, Wakefield High School (masslive.com)

“I knew Newburyport was an awesome team. I told the coaches, if we can pull this out, this will be one of the greatest wins for this program. Our kids stepped up. … These kids are tough. .. They chop wood and carry water, they don't complain. They work. They put their head down. They face adversity and step up. … I'm so proud of them.”

— Ruben Reinoso, Head Coach, Wakefield High School (masslive.com)

What’s next

The Wakefield High School boys indoor track and field team will look to build on their state championship victory and continue their success in the upcoming outdoor track season.

The takeaway

Wakefield's triumph in the face of adversity demonstrates the power of determination, resilience, and teamwork in high school sports. The Warriors' championship win serves as an inspiration for other programs facing challenges, showing that with hard work and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible.