Robertson, Lexington Lead Pack At CMI
Medfield's Ian Robertson showed that he's fully recovered with the groin injury that put him on the sidelines last November. The senior was by himself at 2 miles (10:20) and held off a charging Christian Gentile of Melrose to capture the varsity race in a swift 16:22.1. Gentile led a train of finishers in 16:25.5 and Phil Parent of Pinkerton Academy was a step back in third with his 16:25.8.
Robertson was primed and ready for a strong race on his favorite course, but was patient getting to the front. He surged shortly after passing the 2 mile in 10:20 and never gave up the lead.
"Once I hit the 2 mile I surged and got a little separation," Robertson said. "I came in thinking I had a shot at winning, but at the same time there was a lot of competition. I decided to sit until 2 miles."
Robertson wasn't sure how much of a lead he had once out of the Wilderness and took no chances around the Playstead loop. "I thought they were closer than they were. I knew if I was hurting, they were hurting too."
Zach Manickas-Hill of Lexington led his squad to the victory with his fourth-place finish in 16:27.9. The Minutemen finished with 53 points, in front of St. John's Prep (76 points) and Medfield (120 points).
Lowell's Chris Polanco locked up with Adam Cook of Melrose in a wicked duel for first in the freshman race. Polanco stayed just ahead of Cook on the 100-yard straigtaway to the finish for the win in 10:39.7. Cook was a second back with his 10:40.9. Dracut's Matt Cahill finished strong in 10:47 for third.
Polanco was determined to get out quick on the 1.9-mile course. "Our team got out to a great start," he said. "I heard footsteps near the end and sprinted even harder.
"Everyone told me he (Cook) was right behind me. I just ran as fast as I could. I thought I had it at the mile then I heard him behind me going up the hill."
Cook, who captured the Div. 1 freshman race at the Frank Kelley Invitational earlier this season, stayed relaxed early by chatting with another runner in the lead pack. "I talked to a guy and said let's go get first place," said Cook. "I like to talk. I makes me relax. I had no idea if I could catch him. You just have to remain hopeful."I'm always happy with my results. I could have an awful race and be happy because I stay positive."
Freshman Veronica Seguin was counting on her strong hill running being enough to tame the field in the girls' race. Third in the Frank Kelley Div. 1 race, the Arlington Catholic talent attacked the hill hard and opened up a big lead by the time she headed down the other side. Seguin held off Springfield Cathedral's Nora Markey for the win in 12:38.7. Markey finished in 12:42.3 and Lexington's Danielle Kerr took third in12:44.
Seguin didn't see Bear Cage Hill prior to the race, but her coach told her it wasn't as intimidating on the inclines on her home course. "I really used the hill," Sequin said. "I knew if I ran it hard I could coast down. I went up as hard as I could. I coasted on the flat parts of the course."
The Cougars' No. 2 runner, Seguin liked the change of pace racing kids her own age. "It's a nice break running against all freshmen," she said.
The meet returned to Franklin Park after a year away, due to renovations on the course. Catholic Memorial's legendary head coach, Vin Catano, is confident next year's meet will be bigger. "Catholic Memorial is glad to be back at Franklin Park," he said. "We have a beautiful day. We're coming off our biggest meet (1,500 runners) two years ago."