From Dr. Mike Gallagher '71, Head Coach of the defending and four-time State Champion Cross Country Wildcats, and posted by Mr. Eddie Dwyer
FROM COACH GALLAGHER
Runners, parents:
The 'Cats opened up the 2016 season at the GlenOak Golden Eagle Invitational. The weather forecast was for Amazon Basin heat and humidity, with clear skies and bright sunshine. Great for a day at the shore, but not for a cross country meet.
This race allows teams to put 18 runners into the Varsity, which allows large teams to move up a lot of runners to compete in the first race of the day. With the four 2015 State meet qualifiers resting, the next 14 runners were tasked with racing against Louisville, Massillon Jackson and several other ranked and talented teams.
The 'Cats drew the #18 slot at the far end (right to left on your radio dial) of starting line. Looking out on the course you could already see the convection currents steadily rising from the shimmering grass. The runners knew they would have to get out quick or get pinched as the course narrowed at 400 meters. The 'Cats managed to hold their own through the bumping and jostling of 115 amped up racers and disappeared over the first hill.
As expected, Louisville went right to the front and never let up. The Ignatians, clad in their navy singlets with the gold Wildcat, settled into the chase pack for 3200 meters. As the heat began taking it's measure on the leaders, Liam McGuire surged and led the team back into contention with Collin Kelly and Andrew Biehl in tow
Unfortunately, the team ran out of real estate and finished 3rd behind Louisville and Jackson. Congrats to Liam 16:59, Collin 17:06, Andrew 17:16, Matt Blouch 17:38, Nathan Soria 17:43, Logan Kijewski 17:48, Gabe Ohilger 17:56, and freshman Robby Klanac 17:56 for earning their letters on a tough course.
The JV race was in a word, thrilling! The heat index was so high even the faint breeze was too hot to stir. Undeterred, 295 runners bolted from the start. Coaches, parents and fans crowded at the one mile mark. As the runners approached, four freshman in their gold jerseys bobbed in the lead pack.
The 'Cats took control of the race as the stretched out. Coming into the stadium, freshman Nick Mulhern was in control and crossed the finish line first in 18:16! Freshmen Elliot Rodstrom 18:48, Jack Mayer 18:56 and Charlie Rooney 18:57 followed, with Ben Crane 18:58, Dillon Bangasser 19:02 and Andrew Ulrich rounding out the scoring for a first place finish with 22 points.
NOTE: Special thanks to Janet Nolan for coordinating the Saint Ignatius XC Day at the Captains baseball game. We had a great turnout. Team members were able to go on the field and run around the warning track as the players warmed up.
I was able to throw out the first pitch and offered my service to the bullpen if needed.
Thanks to Peter Carfagna '71 ( my classmate), owner of the Captains, for inviting the team.
This week's schedule:
Mon. Mastic 3:30-5:30
Tues. Edgewater 3:30-5:30
Wed. Mastic 3:30-5:30
Thurs. Cedar Pt. 3:30- 5:30
Fri. SIHS 3:00-4:00
Sat. Hilliard Davidson Hot Summer Bash
Bus will leave at 6:45am: Varsity race 10:05am, JV/Freshmen/Open race at 11am.
T-shirt exchange will follow the open race. Bring a Saint Ignatius t-shirt to trade with the other teams. There will also be a potluck after the race, email from Janet Nolan will follow with details.
Go 'Cats!