Runners and Parents,
The varsity took a rare Saturday off from racing and kicked up the gravel at their workout on the CVNP towpath. The rest of the squad returned to Forest Hill Park for the McDonough Invitational. Even though the former Rockefeller estate (designed by renowned architect, A.D. Taylor, to be an urban oasis) has lost many of its original features, it is undoubtedly one of the toughest XC courses around. Add in a little heat and humidity (okay a lot), a steep hill, and the runners were in for a challenging day.
First up was the JV race, with a field 15 teams and 93 runners. Completely disrespecting the conditions, the 'Cats went right to front with the lead pack. Biding their time coming off the hill, Alex Paliga and Sean Freddy Becker made their move with 800m to go and finished 1, 2 in 18:11 and 18:14, respectively. Will Leahy, Chesney, Dillon Bangasser, Andrew Mulhern and Joe Maloney also scored and the 'Cats took the team title with 19 pts.
The Open race had the largest field of the day, with 23 teams and 232 runners. This group of 'Cats were not to be out done by the JV racers. They flew out of the gate, like an angry swarm of navy blue hornets (fifty-two strong) whose nest had just been disturbed. The harriers finished 1 through 5 taking the team title with a measly 15 pts. Scoring were: Tom Rochester, overall winner in 18:46, Charlie Rooney, Sean Ward, Sean Ulran, Andrew Eicher, Tom Kilbane, and Dan Becker.
By the time of the Varsity race, it was like a scene from "No Country For Old Men:" hot sun, no breeze, and not a cloud for cover. Seventeen other teams were all looking to knock off the Blue and Gold. In spite of the heat, the leaders went through the first mile in 5:10. By mile 2 the field had spread out enough to allow the 'Cats to move up. Peter Fitzpatrick closed fast to finish 3rd overall in 17:39. He was followed by Connor McAndrews, 5th in 17:46, Aiden Monroe 17:57, Matt Kelly, Ben Crane, Connor Geary and Elliott Rodstrom. Sadly, it was not enough as University School took the team title with 46 pts over the 'Cats' 53 pts.
Thanks once again to the parents for the food, drinks and support throughout the day.
Photo links are on Facebook.
This week's schedule:
Monday: Mastick 3:30 - 5:15
Tuesday: Edgewater 3:30 - 5:15
Wednesday: Mastick 3:30 - 5:15
Thursday: Cedar Pt 3:30 - 5:15
Friday: SIHS 3:00 - 4:00
Saturday: Strongsville Invitational 20025 Lunn Rd
Varsity: 10 am: Blouch, Biehl, Fitzpatrick, Kijewski, Mayer, McAndrews, Saul, Soria, Zucca
JV/Frosh/Open: 11:00 am
Bus leaves school at 9.
Weight Lifting: Mon, Wed 6:45 - 7:30AM