RallyNorth.net

Pettoruto driven to become elite scholar-athlete

Thursday, April, 03 By David Willis
Staff writer

Kayley Pettoruto surprised even herself at All-States this winter.

"Last year I barely made the state cut in the 600," she said. "This season I placed fourth at All-States. That is a pretty big leap."
That fourth, in 1:37.14 while running in an unseeded heat, earned crucial points in helping Andover squeak past Newton South 36-32<1/2> for the All-State title.

"She's gone from an average quarter-miler to one of the best in the state," coach Peter Comeau said. "She has worked harder than anyone, and she is the backbone of our 4x400 relay team."

Pettoruto ran the second leg of the 4x400 team that won at Division 1 states and placed second at All-States. They finished the season by taking eighth at the Scholastic Indoor Nationals in New York in both the 4x400 and the sprint medley.
Not bad for someone who never considered herself a talented athlete.

She tried basketball her freshman year, but called herself "uncoordinated." She made the varsity soccer team this year, but said her greatest contributions were as a "cheerleader." Even in track, she only threw the javelin as a freshman. But she kept working and continued to grow.

Pettoruto plans to carry that success into the spring season. She will run the 600, throw the javelin and expects to be reteaming with Vanessa Singleton, Colleen Shannon and Melissa Knapp in the relay.

"She inspires the team," Comeau said. "She is very motivated and gets every ounce out of her abilities. She's the ultimate overachiever."

That's not just on the track. Andover High does not give out class rank, but Pettoruto believes she is in the top 10 in her class of 450, and Comeau said she is in the running for valedictorian. She has passed four advanced placement classes, is enrolled in two others now, and has received only one B, a B-plus this year.

"It was a history course that is mostly about cultures," she said. "It's very unique and the most challenging course I have ever taken. But I have grown to love it, and I will get an A as my final average in the class."

Pettoruto was accepted early admissions to Tufts in the premed program. She also plans to continue her track career there.

"People wonder why I'm going to do it because it's Division 3 track," she said. "But that is the way I work. I need an outlet. I don't think I would be able to make it in such a hard major without track. I just love it."