From the outstanding Head Coach of the defending State Champion Cross Country Wildcats and posted by Mr. Eddie Dwyer

Runners and parents,

It was a busy weekend for the Wildcats.

We started with the Gilmour Invitational on Friday afternoon. When we arrived at the course, it appeared we would be spared from the rain. Unfortunately, due to a rapid change in the hydrological cycle (for you weather buffs) the first of several downpours started just as the the first race went off.

By the first mile, the course had the consistency of a "slip and slide."  Colin Kelly managed to stay with the leaders and led the 'Cats as the rain intensified. The race finishes with the runners hurdling a challenging  water jump leading into the track. Some jumped. Some splashed and some fell. Yeah,  it's cross country!

The 'Cats welcomed the solid footing of the track and headed for home. Colin held on for 8th place in 17:09, followed by a tight pack including: Nathan Soria 17:41, Steven Zucca 17:41, Brett Saunders 17:44, Logan Kijewski 17:45 Gabe Ohilger 17:59, and Will Maier 18:02. This gave the Cats a third place finish behind Rocky River and Olentangy Liberty.

By the start of the JV race, the course was so saturated only the geese were happy. The diehard fans had taken refuge under a colorful sea of umbrellas. In spite of the conditions, the Wildcats almost pulled a win, finishing second to Olentangy Liberty. Leading the team were: Andrew Ulrich 18:26, Charlie Rooney 18:26, Jack Mayer 18:33, Joe Ripepi 18:44, Dillon Bangasser 18:51, Andrew Eicher 18:54 and Liam Rielly 18:56.

On Saturday, the Varsity travelled to Hilliard for the Midwest Meet of Champions for a stakes race with most of the top teams in Ohio. The course was a bit soggy in places from nearly 12 hours of rain on Friday, but the  workers had done a superb job getting the course in shape for the start.

At 11 am, with the sun finally burning through the haze, the runners were off. As expected, the first mile was a quick 4:45 for the leaders. C.J.  (Ambrosio) had the inside lane with the burners as they headed to the far end of the course.  With 1000 meters to go, the course makes a dog leg into the beech and oak forest before the runners emerge and head for the finish.

With bragging rights on the line, the 'Cats sprinted to the line C.J. led the team with an 8th place finish in 15:57.  Andrew Szendrey 16:23, Liam McGuire 16:30, Colin Canigula 16:39, Nick Saul 16:50, Andrew Biehl 16:58 (PR) and Pat Nolan 17:25 followed, giving the team a 2nd place finish behind the Comets of Solon.

This weeks schedule:

Monday, Mastic 3:30 5:00

Tuesday,  Edgewater 3:00 5:00

Wednesday,  Mastic 3:00 5;00

Thursday: Practice at SIHS 2-3:30. Race instructions will be given

Friday: run on your own 2 miles with 4 strideouts.

Saturday, The Stow Invitational at Silver Springs Park - Varsity (top 10 runners) 9:30 am, JV/Open 10:40. Bus leaves school at 7:30 am.

Note: Please check your gear and make sure you have the correct number on your outfit. Colin C is missing #5 jacket. 

I have a number of items left at Gilmour. Please see me tomorrow to claim your items.

Also, Please note the Senior Nite Invitation on 10/15 from Mrs Saunders.  We need your confirmation by 10/7 if you are attending.

Go Cats,

Doc