by Peter Farrell
Fielding full teams for the first time this season, the Haldane Cross Country teams traveled to Warwick for the annual Wave Mania Invitational on Saturday, September 12th.
The boys ran first and finished 10th in their heat ahead of Beacon, Valley Stream and S.S. Seward.
Nick Farrell, running in his first race of the season, was 26th overall and was fastest finisher for the Blue Devils with a time of 17:43 in the 5000 meter race. Nick was followed by Jonas Petkus at 18:12, Adam Silhavy 18:21, Andrew Gannon 19:11, and Kyle Kisslinger at 20:00.
The teams’ average running time was 18:41 as compared to 19:10 back in 2013. Coach Tom Locascio commented: “Although our team finish wasn’t near the top, we are so much better than just a few seasons ago. I’m very happy with our performance.”
In another heat, freshman Kenney McElroy medaled, finishing 13th, running an 18:31.
The Haldane Girls front, they too showed significant improvements over the last run in Warwick in 2013.
With an average running time of 23:38 from 25:26 two years ago, the girls are getting stronger every day.
The Lady Devils were paced by Taylor Farrell who finished 13th, running a 20:51 and earned herself a medal for the second straight week. Olivia McDermott was next at 23:50, Ruby McEwen 24:05, Heather Winne at 24:07, Abbey Stowell at 25:19 and Meghan Ferri finishing with a time of 27:19.
Locascio commented: “Although we do not have the numbers, each runner is dedicated to the sport. I expect them to continue to improve as the season continues.”
Next week, both teams will be in action again at the site of the 2015 NYS Championship at Monroe-Woodbury High School.
Photo by P. Farrell
