The action on the race course Saturday was second only to the record breaking generosity of the teams and fans that attended the meet. Over 3,000 cans of food were collected and will be distributed to food pantries in Seekonk, Attleboro, Pembroke, and Franklin. Bishop Feehan led the charge this year bringing in the most non-perishable items for donation, but they were challenged by Notre Dame Hingham, and Canton. The charitable organizations what will be receiving the donations and the MSTCA are sincerely grateful for your generosity.
As expected, the unexpected happened on the course. Most teams rested the majority of their top runners in preparation for next week’s division championships, but a few marquee names laced it up and raced hard. Team scores were not recorded; so many teams used the opportunity to challenge their young athletes in a varsity race with the hope of finding a 6th or 7th runner that could withstand the rigors of the post season. Several delivered, even with the large gaps that were created early on by some of the state’s elite.
Drew Beck was one of those that created a large gap in his race. The Oliver Ames harrier took the lead in the Division 1 Varsity race from the gun, and slowly pressed through the course to open a 10 second lead on the pack of John Burns (Brockton), Justin Keefe (Newton North), and CJ Williams (Shrewsbury). The trio found themselves in limbo between Beck and the main pack, and despite their best efforts, were unable make a dent in his lead. Beck won the event in 16:29; followed by Burns (16:40), Keefe (16:51), and Williams (17:08).
Jordan O’Dea ran a race that was eerily similar to the one she posted at the Bay State Invitational. The only thing what was not reminiscent of her performance on October 1st was her time. O’Dea once again ran away from the field, but this time she dipped under 19 minutes in another decisive win. The Dennis-Yarmouth junior clocked-in at 18:57, and put over 45 seconds on Lee Milne of Dover-Sherborn. Milne (19:44) also ran a very nice race considering she was suspended in a gap between O’Dea and the rest of the field. The recently crowned Tri-Valley League Champion summoned her resolve and experience to hold off a charging Jessica Currier of Dennis Yarmouth who finished third in 20:08.
David Taranto of Burlington took his cue from the morning races and went out hard in the Division 2 Varsity Boys race. He looked to be in control of things at the mid-way point, but that’s when Ross Mungeam of Douglas, Tanner Picklus of East Bridgewater, and Thomas Rodger Whitinsville Christian began to close things up. The four would be strung-out in a line at the two mile mark, but Mungeam made a big move on the isolated section of the course and entered the final 800 meters with a 10 second lead. That lead would hold, and Mungeam would get the win in 16:50. Taranto finished in second (17:01), with Picklus in third (17:04), and Rodger in fourth (17:10).
The Division 1 Varsity Girls race was the exception to the pattern of events that unfolded on this day. A four girl pack broke-away early and remained intact almost to the finish. Alex Giese, Lauren Hagen, Jackie Solimine, and Shannon Hickey created a race of their own with over a minute gap between them and the rest of the field. Giese got the win and the four appeared to have scorched the course; all finishing in under 18 minutes. But there was one problem, the lead cart had missed a loop and the entire field had actually run 400m short of the intended 5,000 meter layout. The times would have to be taken with a grain of salt, but the error did not detract from what was the most exciting race of the day.
More coverage from the MSTCA Coaches Invitational…….
Meet Page
Results
Race Videos
Photos: MileSplitMass | John Keklak