Home with Bishop Brady and John Stark
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Senior Ethan, 6 years on MVXC, races to a solo victory in his last race on the home course.
Senior Elisha, in his third year on MVXC, splits a pair of John Stark runners en route to a great time.
Great running weather, lots of spectating parents, and three competing teams instead of two, sort of brought back some normalcy to our cross country meet today, or at least it felt so. It was a good day and the boy's victory over John Stark and Bishop Brady, the little ceremony to recognize outgoing seniors, and the cupcake feast afterwards made it all feel even more special. Despite missing several runners due to injuries, the MV boys won the team competition with a score of 31 points. Senior Ethan Doddenhoff led the way placing 1st overall with a season-best ( 18:11). Marshall Carey Matthews battled a couple of challengers over the last quarter mile to also run a very fine time (19:01) and place 5th. Senior Elisha Doddenhoff (19:34) and sophomore Oliver Forsha (19:35) battled each other and, in the process, managed to outlast a runner from John Stark who ran with them most of the way. They placed 6th and 7th, respectively. Rounding out our top five and scoring in the team competition was Trevor Latorella who ran another personal best (21:18)
Thanks for the miles, Elisha and Ethan!
First-year runner Zach Lauren pushed Latorella over the early part of the race snd then finished strong with a time of 22:53 which was good for 16th place. Another first-year runner, freshman Christopher Morgan, placed 20th in a personal best time of 24:22, despite missing a week due to illness. Finally, Aidan Angus rumbled down the home stretch in 33:40 as our last man, yet to the loudest cheers and applause of the spectators reminding us all once again of the great spirit in our sport.
- Guest Writer Coach Sandu
Senior Carlie, 5th year MVXC, races though the first mile.
Much to their dismay (and my delight), the girls discovered that they were to be the second race of the day. All except Sophia, as she ran unattached in the boys race in order to experience running in a pack to prepare for the State Meet. A former MV student now attending Brady, Abby Shagena placed a strong second in the race, deserving of a mention here as she did complete in track all three years in middle school, so we can claim her! The top MV runner on the day was Sam-a-lama, who looked in the ravine as if the troll under the bridge might eat her for supper, yet once again found the inner strength and mental fortitude (there’s that word again!) to close the gap on those ahead over the final mile. Close on her heels was Carlie, this year’s model of consistency. Running her second-best time ever, she closed out her home course career in style. And her shoes now hang in the senior shoe tree (fairly low - an easy mark for anyone seeking free running shoes of a particular size). Next across was MacN...WHAT!?! Mac’s back! MacNeill ran her race of the year to place 4th for the team in her best race since 10th grade, smiling all the way. A 7 year veteran of the MV team, it was a fitting way to bid adieu to the home course. Also, after about 26,004 attempts and 6 hours, her shoes also hang in the senior shoe tree. Somehow Coach Walker survived the necessary rescues necessitated by MacNeill’s shoes winding up in the wrong tree…
Senior MacNeill, in her 7 year (!) in MVXC, races the final mile of the home course. Smiley as ever!
Speaking of come-backs, Violet was across as the 5th runner in a great time, only a few seconds back of MacNeill. The Alyssa/Victoria duo was next to cross, with a switch up (to be fair, of course) of the finishing order. Our 8th finisher was the ever-improving, and most positive person you’ll ever meet, Liz. Yet another PR! I’m telling you Liz, you get that donkey running and head to Colorado for some burro racing. Look it up, it’s a thing! Otherwise Odie and I are heading west without you. Call me crazy, but did you know we have the state record holder in the race-walk mile as an alumni? All because we noticed no one could keep up with her on course walks. You never know! 9th across for MV, and certainly not walking, was Anna (quote of the day today - “Oh, that’s why you call her the Herrmannator!” - Alyssa), followed closely by Emmaleigh in 10th throwing down a ginormous kick. Trinity was next, somehow managing a solid time and a kick at the end despite finishing on a sprained ankle that has ended her season. That’s toughness! Taylor was the next runner in, with a time that was IDENTICAL to her time at Hopkinton, a much easier course. Every practice, every race, Taylor always gives 100% and has a fan club that she doesn’t even know about. It’s true! Hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed.
- Staff Writer Coach Irving
Thanks for the miles and smiles, MacNeill and Carlie!