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The Gallagher Report: Boardman Recap

By Eddie Dwyer, 09/18/16, 7:00PM EDT

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Here is the weekly Sunday breakdown on Wildcats Cross Country from the Head Coach of the defending State Champions, Dr. Mike Gallagher '71

Presented By Coach Gallagher and Posted By Mr. Eddie Dwyer

The 'Cats' harriers performed well on the course that will be the site of this year's OHSAA Regional competition.

Runners and parents,

As we pulled out from St Ignatius on Saturday, the early morning monsoons were letting up and it looked as if the Boardman Spartan Invitational might be spared from the storm.

Boardman is the new Regional course so 46 Division I teams used the race as a tune-up for later in October.

The 525 runners were spread out on the line awaiting the start. The first 300 meters of the course is uphill with a sharp turn at the top. The 'Cats got out quick enough, but were pinched wide right as they negotiated bottleneck at the turn.

 

C.J. Ambrosio locked in with the leaders coming through the first mile in 4:50. The rest of the Wildcats were forced to fight their way through the narrow course and tight turns to make up the gap.

 

At 2 miles a little daylight had opened up in the chase pack but the 'Cats could not respond. Meanwhile at the front, C.J. was battling Mentor's Matt Bull for the lead. With 200 meters to go, both runners were at full throttle. Mentor's Bull hit the tape in first with C.J. a close second in 15:54.

 

Colin Caniglia 17:14 was second for Saint Ignatius, with Andrew Szendrey 17:15, Liam McGuire 17:23, Nick Saul 17:31, Andrew Biehl 17:38, and Gabe Ohilger 17:46 also scoring for the 'Cats. Saint Ignatius  Ignatius finished third behind another great run by Solon and Hudson.

 

In the JV Race the 'Cats moved up a spot finishing 2nd to North Alleghaney. Matt Blouch led the team with a 3rd place finish in 17:58, followed by a resurgent Robby Klanac 18:12 (PR), Joe Ripepi 18:26, Will Deucher 18:30, freshman Charlie Rooney 18:35 (PR), freshman Liam Rielly 18:36 (PR) and Andrew Ulrich 18:44 (PR).

 

Special thanks to our guest speakers this week: Tim Mack '92 the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist in the pole vault. Yes he did bring his medal and it is really heavy!! Also to Hall of Fame coach Claude Holland and all-state Miler Lorenzo Thomas for their inspirational talks to the team!!

 

This weeks 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 3-4:30

Saturday: The Cloverleaf Todd Clark Invitational: Varsity 11:00 am; JV/Frosh/Open 11:30.

The bus leaves Saint Ignatius at 9am and will return immediately after the JV race.

 

Go 'Cats!

Doc
--  Dr. Mike Gallagher

Head Cross Country Coach 
Saint Ignatius High School