It’s taken about three months to get our collective group on the field of competition once again. It was well worth the wait. While the White Team took advantage of the competitive edge that lies within each shark, the entire team demonstrated why we could continue to be a formidable force as the season continues.
Powered by a 3-4-5 finish, and strong races from underclassmen, the White Team prevailed. Aidan Lodwig started their scoring, followed just :13 by Nosek, who had Adams on his heels. Fitts took the #4 scoring spot at 14, and freshman Christian Phillips kept pace with some varsity runners to close out White scoring. Phillips was a 20-seed on the seniors’ depth chart to improve four places. Holder rallied late with a blistering kick to hold onto 21st overall, Brazee took his first race of the year to 21st, and set his own standard for personal improvement (a mile pace to chip away at, this year). Walters completed the course in 28:30, showing grit and determination the whole way.
Runner-up in the standings, and just outdistancing the other two teams by three points, Team Silver also placed three runners in the Top 10. Walker was first in for Silver, at 13:32, with Neal across the line shortly after in 13:46. Both teamed up well throughout the course, and will add punch to the varsity lineup in a week. Sophomore Aaron Lodwig made our 1-9 finishing split just 69 seconds, which bodes very well for the upcoming campaign. Fountain ran career PR mile pace, finishing 13th in 14:27. Freshman Evan Scherden scored the final points for Silver when he crossed 18th, at 15:53. Freshman Logan Cunz got his first taste of a cross country course, running a stellar 7:30 pace the first time out, and Trevor Sussland got back to perhaps his favorite XC course, to net 23rd. Trev races very well at home.
In cross country, when there’s a tie between the five scoring runners, that tie is broken by the #6.
Black outlasted Orange on the strength of another freshman with a bright future. Wielgos claimed the individual title at 12:40. Finn charged through next at 10th, just :65 behind Daniel. Popovich was next to the line in 12th, showing he is prepared to compete for a Top 14 spot on the roster. Klingensmith took 15th in his final scrimmage, and Malone moved up to 19th overall with a strong finishing kick. The tie was broken when Dominic Fiedler pulled on Sussland’s efforts to nab 23rd overall. Caleb Hwang found his second gear at the water tower, and started passing, not letting up until the finish at 19:45.
Team Orange got help with a small first number. Occhipinti took care of business up front, securing a 2nd place finish. Dallal was an important feature in the chase pack, at 7th overall. Petrik narrowly missed Top 10, but ran 6:02 mile pace for 11. Kyle Or showed grit in his opening effort of senior year to grab 17th at 15:34. Huber closed out scoring in 20th, at 7:00 mile pace. In his first race, and just second practice ever, Alex Johnston fought through the pain for a 27th place overall finish.
We look forward to similar competitive efforts as we open the season on Tuesday at Sycamore.
