O’Bryant might be a small school, but its athletic programs have been developing in recent years. Most notably, the Tigers have witnessed their track program continue to improve, eclipsing new boundaries daily.

The trend carried into Tuesday, as the school captured the 2024 Boston City League boys outdoor track and field championship at White Stadium.

“I like this a lot,” said O’Bryant freshman Bradon Speiss. “I haven’t been first in a lot of state meets, so this feels special.”

Speiss became the latest in a string of O’Bryant distance runners to have a breakout performance. He won the boys mile and two mile events, in times of 4:57.12 and 10.33.79, respectively.

In each race, the freshman conserved his energy until the final lap, then flipped a switch to pull away. The Tigers were also propelled to their team-leading 149-point total by Brandon Douglas, who placed first in the 110-meter hurdles (16.57 seconds). The school also did well in the field events, with Liam Feliz winning the high jump (5-10 feet) and Jodanny Fleurival leading the long jump (19-10.50 feet).

Meanwhile, Latin Academy claimed its fourth consecutive BCL girls crown with a whopping 202 points. The Dragons finish fist in nine out of 15 events, with Emma Wadsworth leading the group. She placed first in the triple jump (31-01 feet) and the high jump (4-10). Leanna Lynch won the 200 (27.12 seconds), while Maia Poremba placed first in the 800 (2:35.62) and second in the mile (5:49.71).

Dragons coach Brian Leussler emphasized a growing culture as the reason for his school’s latest success story.

“The great thing is that kids at the school hear about how well the team is doing,” said Leussler. “Then they want to join. We get bigger numbers every year. We had over 100 kids come out for track this outdoor season, and every day at practice, we consistently have close to 100 kids. So, kids want to be part of a winning team… these kids want to wear their medals tomorrow. They’re clacking in the hallways, and other kids see. They want to be a part of that.”

Latin Academy’s Jonah Levine Fried won the boys javelin throw with a mark of 125-05 feet and also the triple jump at 42-01. The track star finished second in the high jump (5-08) and was selected as the boys Most Outstanding Athlete of the Meet.

Diana Melgar of East Boston was selected for girls honor by placing first in three events. She won the 100-meter hurdles (18.50 seconds), the 400 hurdles (1:16.40) and the long jump (15 feet).

The Suffolk University-bound athlete knows her journey is just beginning.

“Since I’m a senior, I’ve been working everything out in the field and the track,” said Melgar. “I’m really happy to be here. Winning first place means a lot, since I’m on the way to college, and hopefully the police academy.”

Chase Bonny of Latin Academy competes in the long jump during the Boston City League track championships at White Stadium. (Matt Stone/Boston Herald)
Girls start the 100-meter race during the Boston City League track championships on Tuesday. (Matt Stone/Boston Herald)