Dom Finelli is the greatest cross country runner in Revere High history and an All-American and Hall of Famer at Brandeis University.
After coaching at Revere High, UMass/Boston and Swampscott High, Finelli was hired by St. Mary’s High School Athletic Director Jeffrey Newhall to launch the school’s boys and girls cross country varsity and middle school programs.
Finelli welcomed 25 girls and 12 boys into the first season this fall. The girls team has three wins to its credit while the boys team earned its first win in a close meet against Matignon.
The teams are practicing daily at Lynn Woods. Finelli is happy with the teams’ work ethic and dedication.
“It’s a very young team but they’re a good number of committed runners and with some summer training, we should be stronger next year,” said Finelli, who also has eight middle school runners competing.
Former Revere track coach Steve Pavey came out of retirement to serve as an assistant coach in the Spartans’ program.
Mike Ksander, a junior, and Melissa LeFave, a sophomore, have emerged as their teams’ No. 1 runners. Ksander is the captain of the boys team while LeFave, Alexandria Fisher, and Emily Hatchouel are the captains of the girls team.
Finelli, who is an attorney, was a state cross country individual champion and New England champion in the two mile. He is a member of the Brandeis Hall of Fame, having won the national championship in the 5,000 meters.
“The future of our program looks bright,” said Finelli. “Thirty-seven runners is a good starting point. I hope the program can keep growing from here.”