Runners and parents,
As we waited in traffic to enter Garfield Park for the Mentor Cardinal Classic, I looked over and saw the historic James Garfield house, with the famous wrap around porch. I could almost envision the future President courting the thousands and thousands of voters in the 1880 presidential election.
For you history buffs, President Garfield was chosen as the Republican candidate over another famous Ohio Civil War general, Ulysses S. Grant.
The Mentor course had a little of everything you might find in Cross Country; grassy manicured straight aways, tight turns, steep downhills, a bouncing plank bridge over the marsh, through the tall, dense growth of phragmites, and shady old growth forest trails!
Knowing that the first 400 would be wicked fast, the 'Cats made like sprinters moving out with the lead pack and avoiding the crush of the first turn. The Harriers traded positions throughout the race with the Medina runners.
In the end, the outcome would be decided by one thing. Who would have the best kick? The teams fought for every second through the finish line, with Liam leading the way in 16:21. He was followed closely by Nick Saul(did I see flames coming out of his spikes?) 16:24, Brett Saunders 16:30, Steve Zucca 16:42 PR, Andrew Biehl 16:43, Matt Blough 16:50, Nathan Soria 16:57, Logan Kijewski 16:59 PR, and Jack Mayer 17:45. When the scores were tallied, Medina had edged out the blue and gold, 42 to 50.
Somehow, 341 JV/Open runners were wedged into the starting chutes. No quarter was given by any of the runners in a bump and push and shoving match through the first 80. A shout out to our strength coach Anthony Rubino for packing on the necessary muscle onto our runner's frames to handle the contact.
By the two mile mark, the Cat Pack was in control of the race. Nick "Thriller" Mulhern took the lead and never looked back. He crossed the finish line in 17:40 PR. A few paces behind were freshmen Kartar Vig 17:54 PR letter winner, and Peter Fitzpatrick 17:55 PR letter winner.
Charlie Rooney 17:55, Elliot Rodstrom 17:57 PR letter winner, Andrew Eicher 17:58, and Owen Lammermier 17:58 closed out the scoring. A tight 17 second spread provided the margin of victory as the 'Cats took first place over Medina, 23 to 50.
Also, I wanted to recognize a few of the many runners who PRed on this challenging course. Andrew Ulrich 18:06 , freshman Conner Geary 18:15, Ben Crane 18:19, freshman Joe Maloney 18:33, Liam Reilly 18:41, freshman Aidan Monroe 18:46, and Holden Fisher 18:52.
Special thanks to Erin Morrison for providing the parents with customized Ignatius cow bells. These could become collector's items next year!!
Attached is a trailer for the youtube XC video. The final video will be released soon.
A couple photos attached.
This week's schedule:
Monday: Run on your own easy 5-6. If you ran today (Sunday) take Monday off.
Tuesday: Mastick 3:30-5:15 pm
Wednesday: Edgewater 3:30-5:15
Thursday: Mastick 3:30-5:15
Friday: SIHS 3:00-4:00
Saturday: Varsity A and B (top 14) at Tiffin carnival 3:30/4:30 pm. Van transportation will be provided. Details on Friday.
JV/Open at University School. There is only one race at 9:15 am. Bus leaves SIHS at 7:30 am.
Will Deucher picked up the following items after the Mentor Cardinal Classic: Red Saucony spikes, a white t-shirt, black xc shorts, and a blue water bottle. See him to claim them.
Go Cats! Happy Labor Day!
Doc