Once again, our program led the MAAC in the number of All-Academic selections after the cross country championships. Here is the press release on www.goredfoxes.com.
It has been a matter of debate as to whether our roster -- specifically, our men's XC roster -- is too big. But there is no debate as to the quality of our student-athletes (with the key word being "student") and that is something of which to be proud.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Random MAAC thoughts …
I know I have posted a lot of numbers in the past few entries here (Prinz, you must be in heaven). Allow me to follow up with some actual words now, regarding Friday’s successful MAAC meet at Van Cortlandt Park …
Women’s meet: What a great day for our program, and a thrilling meet to watch and to coach! At one point, I turned to my assistant coach du jour Posch and said: “You know, Bill, if the meet ended right now we would win!” Our ladies got out hard but in control, establishing position and proving we meant business. And yes, at the 1-mile mark, we were leading.
Now, that’s all well and good. But at Vanny, you gotta earn it in the Back Hills. And our ladies certainly did that, and more, from my perch near the bridge. It was thrilling to see our women charging out of the Back Hills and ready to kick to the finish. All those Bowdoin Park hill repeats paid off!
It was great to see senior Addie DiFrancesco bust out with a breakthrough race, despite having a rough week of aches and pains before the meet. Addie went out hard, mixed it up with the Iona women, and made it stick from start to finish. It set the tone for the entire team.
Coach Chuck deserves a lot of praise for preparing the women’s team well – physically and mentally. He provided a great race plan, and the team executed it to near perfection. He mentioned the boatload of 6km PRs – Vanny and otherwise – that were achieved, as well as the vast overall program-wide improvement over the MAAC meet from two years ago here.
It was a great day, and really just the beginning for a team with an extremely bright future.
Men’s meet: The Iona men’s team is in the MAAC, but they are literally in a league of their own. The Gaels won their 21st consecutive MAAC title and they are ranked 10th nationally right now. For them to sweep a MAAC meet is not unheard of, and that’s what they did.
After their 1-2-3-4-5 sweep, though, it was gratifying to see our three leaders go 6-7-8. After that, though, we witnessed the growth and strength of the MAAC, as Rider and Fairfield both ran extremely strong meets and challenged us for our traditional second-place standing. We hung on for the seventh year in a row, but it was not easy.
And again, that is mostly due to other teams’ running strongly. Top to bottom, our men ran a very good meet with a ton of Vanny PRs. There were a few exceptions, but for the most part it was an excellent effort for our team.
The MAAC meet is the beginning of the championship season. We now switch our focus to the NCAA Regional, to be held for the first time in Buffalo, in two weeks; and after that, the ECAC/IC4A Championships in three weeks, back at Van Cortlandt Park. Championship Season is what our athletes have been working toward for months, and it was good to start off on a positive note at MAACs.
Women’s meet: What a great day for our program, and a thrilling meet to watch and to coach! At one point, I turned to my assistant coach du jour Posch and said: “You know, Bill, if the meet ended right now we would win!” Our ladies got out hard but in control, establishing position and proving we meant business. And yes, at the 1-mile mark, we were leading.
Now, that’s all well and good. But at Vanny, you gotta earn it in the Back Hills. And our ladies certainly did that, and more, from my perch near the bridge. It was thrilling to see our women charging out of the Back Hills and ready to kick to the finish. All those Bowdoin Park hill repeats paid off!
It was great to see senior Addie DiFrancesco bust out with a breakthrough race, despite having a rough week of aches and pains before the meet. Addie went out hard, mixed it up with the Iona women, and made it stick from start to finish. It set the tone for the entire team.
Coach Chuck deserves a lot of praise for preparing the women’s team well – physically and mentally. He provided a great race plan, and the team executed it to near perfection. He mentioned the boatload of 6km PRs – Vanny and otherwise – that were achieved, as well as the vast overall program-wide improvement over the MAAC meet from two years ago here.
It was a great day, and really just the beginning for a team with an extremely bright future.
Men’s meet: The Iona men’s team is in the MAAC, but they are literally in a league of their own. The Gaels won their 21st consecutive MAAC title and they are ranked 10th nationally right now. For them to sweep a MAAC meet is not unheard of, and that’s what they did.
After their 1-2-3-4-5 sweep, though, it was gratifying to see our three leaders go 6-7-8. After that, though, we witnessed the growth and strength of the MAAC, as Rider and Fairfield both ran extremely strong meets and challenged us for our traditional second-place standing. We hung on for the seventh year in a row, but it was not easy.
And again, that is mostly due to other teams’ running strongly. Top to bottom, our men ran a very good meet with a ton of Vanny PRs. There were a few exceptions, but for the most part it was an excellent effort for our team.
The MAAC meet is the beginning of the championship season. We now switch our focus to the NCAA Regional, to be held for the first time in Buffalo, in two weeks; and after that, the ECAC/IC4A Championships in three weeks, back at Van Cortlandt Park. Championship Season is what our athletes have been working toward for months, and it was good to start off on a positive note at MAACs.
VCP All-Time List: Best Team Performances
Top team performances in school history at Van Cortlandt Park (through October 2011)
1-MAAC Championships, October 28, 2011
Will Griffin 25:03.4
Matt Flint 25:04.0
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0
Tommy Lipari 26:19.1
Ken Walshak 26:25.4
Total time, top 5: 2:08:23.9
Average time: 25:40.6
2-ICAAAA Championships, November 20, 2010
Matt Flint 25:11.5
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:25.4
Will Griffin 25:32.6
Ken Walshak 25:47.8
Tim Keegan 26:32.6
Total time, top 5: 2:08:29.9
Average time: 25:42.0
3. ICAAAA Championships, November 22, 2008
David Raucci 25:13
Girma Segni 25:43
Tim Keegan 25:49
Will Griffin 25:54
Conor Shelley 26:04
Total time, top 5: 2:08:43
Average time: 25:44.6
4. Iona Meet of Champions, September 20, 2008
Girma Segni 25:01.4 (school record)
David Raucci 25:19.1
Conor Shelley 25:33.8
Matthew Flint 26:25.2
Tim Keegan 26:28.5
Total time, top 5: 2:08:48.0
Average time: 25:45.6
5. MAAC Championships, October 27, 2006
Girma Segni 25:17.0
David Raucci 25:38.7
Conor Shelley 25:46.1
John Keenan 26:18.4
Justin Harris 26:40.0
Total time, top 5: 2:09:40.2
Average time: 25:56.0
6. ICAAAA Championships, November 18, 2006
David Raucci 25:32.9
Girma Segni 25:37.5
Justin Harris 26:10.9
Conor Shelley 26:12.5
Tom Williams 26:27.8
Total time, top 5: 2:10:01.6
Average time: 26:00.3
7. MAAC Championships, October 26, 2007
Girma Segni 25:21.0
David Raucci 25:29.8
Mike Rolek 26:04.0
Conor Shelley 26:16.5
John Keenan 26:56.7
Total time, top 5: 2:10:08.0
Average time: 26:01.6
8. Metropolitan Championships, October 6, 2006
Girma Segni 25:15.5
David Raucci 25:45.2
Conor Shelley 25:54.4
Justin Harris 26:33.1
Mike Cator 26:43.2
Total time, top 5: 2:10:12.9
Average time: 26:02.6
9. ICAAAA Championships, November 17, 2007
Girma Segni 25:36
David Raucci 25:38
Mike Rolek 26:10
Conor Shelley 26:19
Adam Vess 26:49
Total time, top 5: 2:10:32.0
Average time: 26:06.4
10. ICAAAA Championships, November 18, 2000
Mike Nehr 25:58.7
Jason Grady 26:04.7
Jamal Padgett 26:09.7
Greg Salamone 26:11.6
Pat Driscoll 26:28.6
Total time, top 5: 2:10:53.5
Average time: 26:10.7
1-MAAC Championships, October 28, 2011
Will Griffin 25:03.4
Matt Flint 25:04.0
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0
Tommy Lipari 26:19.1
Ken Walshak 26:25.4
Total time, top 5: 2:08:23.9
Average time: 25:40.6
2-ICAAAA Championships, November 20, 2010
Matt Flint 25:11.5
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:25.4
Will Griffin 25:32.6
Ken Walshak 25:47.8
Tim Keegan 26:32.6
Total time, top 5: 2:08:29.9
Average time: 25:42.0
3. ICAAAA Championships, November 22, 2008
David Raucci 25:13
Girma Segni 25:43
Tim Keegan 25:49
Will Griffin 25:54
Conor Shelley 26:04
Total time, top 5: 2:08:43
Average time: 25:44.6
4. Iona Meet of Champions, September 20, 2008
Girma Segni 25:01.4 (school record)
David Raucci 25:19.1
Conor Shelley 25:33.8
Matthew Flint 26:25.2
Tim Keegan 26:28.5
Total time, top 5: 2:08:48.0
Average time: 25:45.6
5. MAAC Championships, October 27, 2006
Girma Segni 25:17.0
David Raucci 25:38.7
Conor Shelley 25:46.1
John Keenan 26:18.4
Justin Harris 26:40.0
Total time, top 5: 2:09:40.2
Average time: 25:56.0
6. ICAAAA Championships, November 18, 2006
David Raucci 25:32.9
Girma Segni 25:37.5
Justin Harris 26:10.9
Conor Shelley 26:12.5
Tom Williams 26:27.8
Total time, top 5: 2:10:01.6
Average time: 26:00.3
7. MAAC Championships, October 26, 2007
Girma Segni 25:21.0
David Raucci 25:29.8
Mike Rolek 26:04.0
Conor Shelley 26:16.5
John Keenan 26:56.7
Total time, top 5: 2:10:08.0
Average time: 26:01.6
8. Metropolitan Championships, October 6, 2006
Girma Segni 25:15.5
David Raucci 25:45.2
Conor Shelley 25:54.4
Justin Harris 26:33.1
Mike Cator 26:43.2
Total time, top 5: 2:10:12.9
Average time: 26:02.6
9. ICAAAA Championships, November 17, 2007
Girma Segni 25:36
David Raucci 25:38
Mike Rolek 26:10
Conor Shelley 26:19
Adam Vess 26:49
Total time, top 5: 2:10:32.0
Average time: 26:06.4
10. ICAAAA Championships, November 18, 2000
Mike Nehr 25:58.7
Jason Grady 26:04.7
Jamal Padgett 26:09.7
Greg Salamone 26:11.6
Pat Driscoll 26:28.6
Total time, top 5: 2:10:53.5
Average time: 26:10.7
VCP All-Time Lists: Best Individual Performances
After a hiatus of a few years, we welcome back the Van Cortlandt Park All-Time Lists for Marist Men’s XC.
An explanation: We suspended this list after the Park began its current – and never-ending – construction project that has altered the course. In 2008, the course was altered slightly but was considered nearly identical to the “original” Vanny course.
In 2009, the course was altered considerably and was much different and slightly longer than the original Vanny course. However, in 2010 and 2011, the course – while certainly not the same as the original – is pretty close in spirit and in layout. Most consider it slightly more difficult since the Back Hills and Cemetery Hill are slightly more condensed – there is less flats between these two sections.
And so we revive the list today, a day after our men’s team ran the fastest combined top-5 time in school history – thanks in large part to the extremely fast time by our lead runners.
Van Cortlandt Park sub-26:30 list, all-time (through October 2011)
Girma Segni 25:01.4 09/2008
Will Griffin 25:03.4 10/2011
Matt Flint 25:04.0 10/2011
Mike Melfi 25:11 10/1998
Matt Flint 25:11.5 11/2010
Mike Melfi 25:12.3 11/1998
David Raucci 25:13 11/2008
Girma Segni 25:13.5 09/2007
Girma Segni 25:15.5 10/2006
Girma Segni 25:17.0 10/2006
David Raucci 25:19.1 09/2008
Girma Segni 25:21.0 10/2007
Jerry Scholder 25:25 11/1976
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:26.4 11/2010
Girma Segni 25:29.3 10/2005
David Raucci 25:29.8 10/2007
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0 10/2011
Will Griffin 25:32.6 11/2010
David Raucci 25:32.9 11/2006
Conor Shelley 25:33.8 09/2008
Jerry Scholder 25:35.3 10/1978
Girma Segni 25:36 11/2007
Girma Segni 25:37.5 11/2006
David Raucci 25:38 11/2007
Kirk Dornton 25:38.1 11/2002
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:38.7 09/2011
David Raucci 25:38.7 10/2006
Girma Segni 25:41.8 11/2005
Girma Segni 25:42.7 09/2005
Girma Segni 25:43 11/2008
Kirk Dornton 25:45.0 10/2002
David Raucci 25:45.2 10/2006
Conor Shelley 25:46.1 10/2006
Ken Walshak 25:47.8 11/2010
Matt Flint 25:48.5 11/2009
Tim Keegan 25:49 11/2008
David Raucci 25:49.7 09/2005
Kirk Dornton 25:50.0 11/2002
David Raucci 25:51.0 09/2007
Kirk Dornton 25:51.5 10/2003
Don Reardon 25:51 10/1987
Mike Nehr 25:52.2 11/2001
Pete Pazik 25:54 09/1984
Will Griffin 25:54 11/2008
David Raucci 25:54.4 10/2005
Conor Shelley 25:54.4 10/2006
Ben Hefferon 25:58.6 11/1998
Mike Nehr 25:58.7 11/2000
David Raucci 25:59.5 10/2005
Jerry Scholder 26:02 10/1977
Jason Grady 26:02.8 09/2000
Matt Cole 26:02.9 10/1978
Kirk Dornton 26:02.9 10/2001
Jamal Padgett 26:03.5 11/2001
Greg Salamone 26:03.9 10/1999
Mike Rolek 26:04.0 09/2007
Conor Shelley 26:04 11/2008
Jason Grady 26:04.7 11/2000
Ron Gadziala 26:05.2 10/1978
Mike Nehr 26:06.6 09/2000
David Swift 26:07 09/1994
Mike Nehr 26:07.5 09/2001
Will Griffin 26:07.7 11/2009
Jamal Padgett 26:09.7 11/2000
Mike Rolek 26:10 11/2007
Don Reardon 26:10 10/1986
Kirk Dornton 26:10.0 09/2001
Justin Harris 26:10.9 11/2006
Justin Harris 26:11.4 10/2004
Greg Salamone 26:11.6 11/2000
Greg Salamone 26:11.9 11/1998
Don Reardon 26:12 09/1984
Kirk Dornton 26:12 11/2003
Geoff Decker 26:12.5 10/2003
Conor Shelley 26:12.5 11/2006
Curtis Jensen 26:12.6 11/2009
Bob Coufal 26:14 11/1977
Geoff Decker 26:14 11/2003
Adam Vess 26:14.2 10/2009
Jerry Scholder 26:14.8 10/1978
Fred Kolthay 26:15 11/1976
Glen Middleton 26:15 10/1984
Jason Grady 26:15.7 11/2002
Greg Salamone 26:16.0 10/1999
Matthew Flint 26:16 11/2008
Conor Shelley 26:16.5 10/2007
Jason Grady 26:16.8 10/2002
Girma Segni 26:17 10/2007
Steve Hicks 26:18 10/2004
Ben Hefferon 26:18 10/1997
John Keenan 26:18.4 10/2006
Pat Driscoll 26:18.6 11/2001
Conor Shelley 26:19 11/2007
Tom Lipari 26:19.1 10/2011
Jerry Scholder 26:20 09/1977
Kirk Dornton 26:20.5 10/2003
Geoff Decker 26:21.3 09/2004
Justin Harris 26:23 11/2004
Marty Feeney 26:23 10/1992
Greg Salamone 26:24.1 10/1999
David Raucci 26:24.3 11/2005
Jamal Padgett 26:24.6 11/2002
Greg Salamone 26:25 10/1998
Matthew Flint 26:25.2 09/2008
Ken Walshak 26:25.3 09/2010
Ken Walshak 26:25.4 10/2011
Ken Walshak 26:25.7 09/2011
Jamal Padgett 26:25.8 10/2001
Tim Keegan 26:26.2 11/2009
Geoff Decker 26:27.0 09/2003
Brian Townsend 26:27.5 10/2011
Tom Williams 26:27.8 11/2006
Geoff Decker 26:27.9 10/2003
Tim Keegan 26:28.5 09/2008
Pat Driscoll 26:28.8 11/2000
Jerry Scholder 26:29 10/1976
Justin Harris 26:29.1 09/2004
An explanation: We suspended this list after the Park began its current – and never-ending – construction project that has altered the course. In 2008, the course was altered slightly but was considered nearly identical to the “original” Vanny course.
In 2009, the course was altered considerably and was much different and slightly longer than the original Vanny course. However, in 2010 and 2011, the course – while certainly not the same as the original – is pretty close in spirit and in layout. Most consider it slightly more difficult since the Back Hills and Cemetery Hill are slightly more condensed – there is less flats between these two sections.
And so we revive the list today, a day after our men’s team ran the fastest combined top-5 time in school history – thanks in large part to the extremely fast time by our lead runners.
Van Cortlandt Park sub-26:30 list, all-time (through October 2011)
Girma Segni 25:01.4 09/2008
Will Griffin 25:03.4 10/2011
Matt Flint 25:04.0 10/2011
Mike Melfi 25:11 10/1998
Matt Flint 25:11.5 11/2010
Mike Melfi 25:12.3 11/1998
David Raucci 25:13 11/2008
Girma Segni 25:13.5 09/2007
Girma Segni 25:15.5 10/2006
Girma Segni 25:17.0 10/2006
David Raucci 25:19.1 09/2008
Girma Segni 25:21.0 10/2007
Jerry Scholder 25:25 11/1976
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:26.4 11/2010
Girma Segni 25:29.3 10/2005
David Raucci 25:29.8 10/2007
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0 10/2011
Will Griffin 25:32.6 11/2010
David Raucci 25:32.9 11/2006
Conor Shelley 25:33.8 09/2008
Jerry Scholder 25:35.3 10/1978
Girma Segni 25:36 11/2007
Girma Segni 25:37.5 11/2006
David Raucci 25:38 11/2007
Kirk Dornton 25:38.1 11/2002
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:38.7 09/2011
David Raucci 25:38.7 10/2006
Girma Segni 25:41.8 11/2005
Girma Segni 25:42.7 09/2005
Girma Segni 25:43 11/2008
Kirk Dornton 25:45.0 10/2002
David Raucci 25:45.2 10/2006
Conor Shelley 25:46.1 10/2006
Ken Walshak 25:47.8 11/2010
Matt Flint 25:48.5 11/2009
Tim Keegan 25:49 11/2008
David Raucci 25:49.7 09/2005
Kirk Dornton 25:50.0 11/2002
David Raucci 25:51.0 09/2007
Kirk Dornton 25:51.5 10/2003
Don Reardon 25:51 10/1987
Mike Nehr 25:52.2 11/2001
Pete Pazik 25:54 09/1984
Will Griffin 25:54 11/2008
David Raucci 25:54.4 10/2005
Conor Shelley 25:54.4 10/2006
Ben Hefferon 25:58.6 11/1998
Mike Nehr 25:58.7 11/2000
David Raucci 25:59.5 10/2005
Jerry Scholder 26:02 10/1977
Jason Grady 26:02.8 09/2000
Matt Cole 26:02.9 10/1978
Kirk Dornton 26:02.9 10/2001
Jamal Padgett 26:03.5 11/2001
Greg Salamone 26:03.9 10/1999
Mike Rolek 26:04.0 09/2007
Conor Shelley 26:04 11/2008
Jason Grady 26:04.7 11/2000
Ron Gadziala 26:05.2 10/1978
Mike Nehr 26:06.6 09/2000
David Swift 26:07 09/1994
Mike Nehr 26:07.5 09/2001
Will Griffin 26:07.7 11/2009
Jamal Padgett 26:09.7 11/2000
Mike Rolek 26:10 11/2007
Don Reardon 26:10 10/1986
Kirk Dornton 26:10.0 09/2001
Justin Harris 26:10.9 11/2006
Justin Harris 26:11.4 10/2004
Greg Salamone 26:11.6 11/2000
Greg Salamone 26:11.9 11/1998
Don Reardon 26:12 09/1984
Kirk Dornton 26:12 11/2003
Geoff Decker 26:12.5 10/2003
Conor Shelley 26:12.5 11/2006
Curtis Jensen 26:12.6 11/2009
Bob Coufal 26:14 11/1977
Geoff Decker 26:14 11/2003
Adam Vess 26:14.2 10/2009
Jerry Scholder 26:14.8 10/1978
Fred Kolthay 26:15 11/1976
Glen Middleton 26:15 10/1984
Jason Grady 26:15.7 11/2002
Greg Salamone 26:16.0 10/1999
Matthew Flint 26:16 11/2008
Conor Shelley 26:16.5 10/2007
Jason Grady 26:16.8 10/2002
Girma Segni 26:17 10/2007
Steve Hicks 26:18 10/2004
Ben Hefferon 26:18 10/1997
John Keenan 26:18.4 10/2006
Pat Driscoll 26:18.6 11/2001
Conor Shelley 26:19 11/2007
Tom Lipari 26:19.1 10/2011
Jerry Scholder 26:20 09/1977
Kirk Dornton 26:20.5 10/2003
Geoff Decker 26:21.3 09/2004
Justin Harris 26:23 11/2004
Marty Feeney 26:23 10/1992
Greg Salamone 26:24.1 10/1999
David Raucci 26:24.3 11/2005
Jamal Padgett 26:24.6 11/2002
Greg Salamone 26:25 10/1998
Matthew Flint 26:25.2 09/2008
Ken Walshak 26:25.3 09/2010
Ken Walshak 26:25.4 10/2011
Ken Walshak 26:25.7 09/2011
Jamal Padgett 26:25.8 10/2001
Tim Keegan 26:26.2 11/2009
Geoff Decker 26:27.0 09/2003
Brian Townsend 26:27.5 10/2011
Tom Williams 26:27.8 11/2006
Geoff Decker 26:27.9 10/2003
Tim Keegan 26:28.5 09/2008
Pat Driscoll 26:28.8 11/2000
Jerry Scholder 26:29 10/1976
Justin Harris 26:29.1 09/2004
World Series Game 6
Under normal circumstances, there is no way I would have witnessed the dramatics of the 2011 World Series Game 6 on Thursday night. Fortunately, our men’s XC team had its annual Pre-MAAC Pump Up meeting at Lower Fulton and I was invited.
As a result, I did not get home until about 10:30 p.m. Wired from the motivational meeting and the bracing cold of the chilly evening, I stayed awake to watch perhaps the most riveting and dramatic World Series game of them all. Despite not having a rooting interest in this World Series, it was a treat to witness the twists and turns of a game that will be talked about forever.
So even though the final, dramatic home run was not hit till after midnight, I was awake to watch it. Thanks to our team.
As a result, I did not get home until about 10:30 p.m. Wired from the motivational meeting and the bracing cold of the chilly evening, I stayed awake to watch perhaps the most riveting and dramatic World Series game of them all. Despite not having a rooting interest in this World Series, it was a treat to witness the twists and turns of a game that will be talked about forever.
So even though the final, dramatic home run was not hit till after midnight, I was awake to watch it. Thanks to our team.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
MAAC XC history
Here are the year-to-year finishes of our program since we joined the MAAC in 1997.
MAAC Championships history, men
1997: 6th place, 149 points (VCP)
1998: 2nd place, 70 points (VCP
1999: 3rd place, 102 points (VCP)
2000: 4th place, 91 points (Disney)
2001: 3rd place, 69 points (VCP)
2002: 4th place, 91 points (VCP)
2003: 2nd place, 60 points (VCP)
2004: 3rd place, 77 points (Disney)
2005: 2nd place, 73 points (VCP)
2006: 2nd place, 52 points* (VCP)
2007: 2nd place, 61 points (VCP)
2008: 2nd place, 55 points (Disney)
2009: 2nd place, 57 points (VCP)
2010: 2nd place, 53 points (Hammonasset)
2011: 2nd place, 66 points (VCP)
MAAC Championships history, women
1997: 4th place, 103 points (VCP)
1998: 1st place, 39 points* (VCP)
1999: 1st place (tie), 41 points (VCP)
2000: 1st place, 42 points (Disney)
2001: 3rd place, 93 points (VCP)
2002: 5th place, 114 points (VCP)
2003: 5th place (tie) 102 points (VCP)
2004: 1st place, 40 points (Disney)
2005: 3rd place, 83 points (VCP)
2006: 2nd place, 87 points (VCP)
2007: 4th place, 115 points (VCP)
2008: 3rd place, 78 points (Disney)
2009: 2nd place, 56 points (VCP)
2010: 4th place, 106 points (Hammonasset)
2011: 2nd place, 60 points (VCP)
*lowest championship point total in school history
bold = MAAC Champions
MAAC Championships history, men
1997: 6th place, 149 points (VCP)
1998: 2nd place, 70 points (VCP
1999: 3rd place, 102 points (VCP)
2000: 4th place, 91 points (Disney)
2001: 3rd place, 69 points (VCP)
2002: 4th place, 91 points (VCP)
2003: 2nd place, 60 points (VCP)
2004: 3rd place, 77 points (Disney)
2005: 2nd place, 73 points (VCP)
2006: 2nd place, 52 points* (VCP)
2007: 2nd place, 61 points (VCP)
2008: 2nd place, 55 points (Disney)
2009: 2nd place, 57 points (VCP)
2010: 2nd place, 53 points (Hammonasset)
2011: 2nd place, 66 points (VCP)
MAAC Championships history, women
1997: 4th place, 103 points (VCP)
1998: 1st place, 39 points* (VCP)
1999: 1st place (tie), 41 points (VCP)
2000: 1st place, 42 points (Disney)
2001: 3rd place, 93 points (VCP)
2002: 5th place, 114 points (VCP)
2003: 5th place (tie) 102 points (VCP)
2004: 1st place, 40 points (Disney)
2005: 3rd place, 83 points (VCP)
2006: 2nd place, 87 points (VCP)
2007: 4th place, 115 points (VCP)
2008: 3rd place, 78 points (Disney)
2009: 2nd place, 56 points (VCP)
2010: 4th place, 106 points (Hammonasset)
2011: 2nd place, 60 points (VCP)
*lowest championship point total in school history
bold = MAAC Champions
Friday, October 28, 2011
MAAC XC 2011: Women's results
MAAC Championships
Friday, October 28, 2011
Van Cortlandt Park
Women’s team scores:
1-Iona 18, 2-Marist 60, 3-Loyola 79, 4-Rider 102, 5-Canisius 143, 6-Fairfield 146, 7-Niagara 229, 8-Siena 231, 9-Manhattan 247, 10-St. Peter’s 302
Individual results, 6,000-meter course
4-Addie DiFrancesco 22:01.9 (5:55 pace) *All-MAAC
6-Michelle Gaye 22:10.0 (5:57 pace) *All-MAAC
12-Erin Thompson 22:33.3 (6:03 pace) *All-MAAC
14-Katie Messina 22:44.2 (6:06 pace) *All-MAAC
25-Briana Crowe 23:11.7 (6:13 pace)
27-Erin O’Reilly 23:22.1 (6:16 pace)
34-Brianna Freestone 23:44.1 (6:22 pace)
36-Tara Nuccitelli 23:56.7 (6:26 pace)
37-Rebecca Denise 23:57.9 (6:26 pace)
41-Kathryn Sheehan 24:03.6 (6:27 pace)
43-Jackie Gamboli 24:08.1 (6:29 pace)
52-Colleen Smith 24:32.5 (6:35 pace)
57-Elizabeth O’Brien 24:38.8 (6:37 pace)
58-Dayna McLaughlin 24:39.4 (6:37 pace)
59-Kara Lightowler 24:40.5 (6:37 pace)
66-Megan Brady 24:57.5 (6:42 pace)
72-Alex Davis 25:11.9 (6:46 pace)
73-Miy Mahran 25:12.6 (6:46 pace)
76-Allyson O’Brien 25:17.9 (6:47 pace)
83-Laura Lindsley 25:34.3 (6:52 pace)
91-Rachel Lichtenwalner 25:47.5 (6:55 pace)
103-Kim Bartlett 27:25.1 (7:22 pace)
116 finishers total
Friday, October 28, 2011
Van Cortlandt Park
Women’s team scores:
1-Iona 18, 2-Marist 60, 3-Loyola 79, 4-Rider 102, 5-Canisius 143, 6-Fairfield 146, 7-Niagara 229, 8-Siena 231, 9-Manhattan 247, 10-St. Peter’s 302
Individual results, 6,000-meter course
4-Addie DiFrancesco 22:01.9 (5:55 pace) *All-MAAC
6-Michelle Gaye 22:10.0 (5:57 pace) *All-MAAC
12-Erin Thompson 22:33.3 (6:03 pace) *All-MAAC
14-Katie Messina 22:44.2 (6:06 pace) *All-MAAC
25-Briana Crowe 23:11.7 (6:13 pace)
27-Erin O’Reilly 23:22.1 (6:16 pace)
34-Brianna Freestone 23:44.1 (6:22 pace)
36-Tara Nuccitelli 23:56.7 (6:26 pace)
37-Rebecca Denise 23:57.9 (6:26 pace)
41-Kathryn Sheehan 24:03.6 (6:27 pace)
43-Jackie Gamboli 24:08.1 (6:29 pace)
52-Colleen Smith 24:32.5 (6:35 pace)
57-Elizabeth O’Brien 24:38.8 (6:37 pace)
58-Dayna McLaughlin 24:39.4 (6:37 pace)
59-Kara Lightowler 24:40.5 (6:37 pace)
66-Megan Brady 24:57.5 (6:42 pace)
72-Alex Davis 25:11.9 (6:46 pace)
73-Miy Mahran 25:12.6 (6:46 pace)
76-Allyson O’Brien 25:17.9 (6:47 pace)
83-Laura Lindsley 25:34.3 (6:52 pace)
91-Rachel Lichtenwalner 25:47.5 (6:55 pace)
103-Kim Bartlett 27:25.1 (7:22 pace)
116 finishers total
MAAC XC 2011: Men's results
MAAC Championships
Friday, October 28, 2011
Van Cortlandt Park
Men’s team scores:
1-Iona 15, 2-Marist 66, 3-Rider 75, 4-Fairfield 95, 5-Canisius 161, 6-Manhattan 181, 7-Siena 215, 8-Loyola 219, 9-Niagara 249, 10-St. Peter’s 307
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
6-Will Griffin 25:03.4 (5:01 pace) *All-MAAC
7-Matt Flint 25:04.0 (5:01 pace) *All-MAAC
8-Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0 (5:07 pace) *All-MAAC
23-Tommy Lipari 26:19.1 (5:16 pace)
24-Ken Walshak 26:25.4 (5:17 pace)
25-Brian Townsend 26:27.5 (5:18 pace)
30-Mark Valentino 26:41.2 (5:20 pace)
32-Justin Tampellini 26:46.1 (5:21 pace)
34-Mike Nicoletti 26:48.1 (5:22 pace)
39-Nick Hughes 26:56.4 (5:23 pace)
44-Mohamed Eid 27:00.9 (5:24 pace)
53-Nick Salek 27:10.6 (5:26 pace)
56-Rob Gorski 27:13.1 (5:27 pace)
58-Ian Dorset 27:14.9 (5:27 pace)
62-Joel Moss 27:19.1 (5:28 pace)
63-Billy Hild 27:19.6 (5:28 pace)
65-Ryan Fitzsimons 27:25.6 (5:29 pace)
66-Tommy Lappas 27:26.1 (5:29 pace)
79-Ryan Scrudato 27:42.9 (5:33 pace)
83-Matt Panebianco 27:45.6 (5:33 pace)
88-Kyle Havard 27:58.9 (5:36 pace)
91-Will Schanz 28:09.1 (5:38 pace)
93-Ryan Brown 28:12.6 (5:39 pace)
96-Ben Windisch 28:20.7 (5:40 pace)
97-Brian Gordon 28:26.1 (5:41 pace)
99-Andrew James 28:33.4 (5:43 pace)
106-Brendan Green 28:57.0 (5:48 pace)
108-Mike Keegan 29:04.1 (5:49 pace)
109-Bryan Buttigieg 29:05.3 (5:49 pace)
111-Luke Shane 29:18.5 (5:52 pace)
112-Adam Osowski 29:24.3 (5:53 pace)
116-Doug Ainscow 29:42.8 (5:57 pace)
124-Dominick Corradi 31:19.6 (6:16 pace)
130 finishers
Friday, October 28, 2011
Van Cortlandt Park
Men’s team scores:
1-Iona 15, 2-Marist 66, 3-Rider 75, 4-Fairfield 95, 5-Canisius 161, 6-Manhattan 181, 7-Siena 215, 8-Loyola 219, 9-Niagara 249, 10-St. Peter’s 307
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
6-Will Griffin 25:03.4 (5:01 pace) *All-MAAC
7-Matt Flint 25:04.0 (5:01 pace) *All-MAAC
8-Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0 (5:07 pace) *All-MAAC
23-Tommy Lipari 26:19.1 (5:16 pace)
24-Ken Walshak 26:25.4 (5:17 pace)
25-Brian Townsend 26:27.5 (5:18 pace)
30-Mark Valentino 26:41.2 (5:20 pace)
32-Justin Tampellini 26:46.1 (5:21 pace)
34-Mike Nicoletti 26:48.1 (5:22 pace)
39-Nick Hughes 26:56.4 (5:23 pace)
44-Mohamed Eid 27:00.9 (5:24 pace)
53-Nick Salek 27:10.6 (5:26 pace)
56-Rob Gorski 27:13.1 (5:27 pace)
58-Ian Dorset 27:14.9 (5:27 pace)
62-Joel Moss 27:19.1 (5:28 pace)
63-Billy Hild 27:19.6 (5:28 pace)
65-Ryan Fitzsimons 27:25.6 (5:29 pace)
66-Tommy Lappas 27:26.1 (5:29 pace)
79-Ryan Scrudato 27:42.9 (5:33 pace)
83-Matt Panebianco 27:45.6 (5:33 pace)
88-Kyle Havard 27:58.9 (5:36 pace)
91-Will Schanz 28:09.1 (5:38 pace)
93-Ryan Brown 28:12.6 (5:39 pace)
96-Ben Windisch 28:20.7 (5:40 pace)
97-Brian Gordon 28:26.1 (5:41 pace)
99-Andrew James 28:33.4 (5:43 pace)
106-Brendan Green 28:57.0 (5:48 pace)
108-Mike Keegan 29:04.1 (5:49 pace)
109-Bryan Buttigieg 29:05.3 (5:49 pace)
111-Luke Shane 29:18.5 (5:52 pace)
112-Adam Osowski 29:24.3 (5:53 pace)
116-Doug Ainscow 29:42.8 (5:57 pace)
124-Dominick Corradi 31:19.6 (6:16 pace)
130 finishers
Proud of my fifth man
While we were busy at the MAAC Championships at Van Cortlandt Park on Friday, there was another important cross country meet going on up in Staatsburg at the Mills Mansion (site of our season-opening hill workout): The Mid-Hudson Athletic League (MHAL) Championships.
This is an excellent local league with a long tradition of competitive league championships. I always liked attending it, but it usually coincides with MAAC Meet Day so I have not been there in a while. Today, I had a true rooting interest, as my seventh-grade son Joey runs for the Modified Team at Haviland Middle School.
While the modified races are not officially scored, I’m happy to report that the HMS boys were the top team in the meet. Joey has been fourth or fifth man on HMS all season; today, he was fifth man again in his season-ending meet.
Their home course is a little longer than 1.5 miles and has some of the Mills Hills in it. If you are interested, click here for complete results.
The photo above was taken at a meet earlier in the season.
To Joey and the HMS Hawks: NICELY DONE!
MAAC Meet: Second-place success!
Just getting back from Van Cortlandt Park, where our program had one of its finest days.
--On the women's side, we placed a solid second behind Iona (18 points) with 60 points. We had four (4!) All-MAAC runners in Addie DiFrancesco (4th), Michelle Gaye (6th), Erin Thompson (12th) and Katie Messina (14th). This was a truly thrilling meet to watch.
--On the men's side, we place second behind Iona (15) with 66 points. This was Iona's 21st consecutive team title. On nine (9) occasions, our program was runner-up to Iona -- including each of the past seven (7) years. It is a point of pride for us. We had three All-MAAC runners in Will Griffin (6th), Matt Flint (7th) and Arquimedes DelaCruz (8th). Iona swept the top-5 spots.
There is much more to say and type about the meet, but I will save that for later when I have more time.
Suffice it to say that this was one of the program's finest hours. As always, it was extremely special to share it with our families and our extended family of alumni and friends who always support us so well.
--On the women's side, we placed a solid second behind Iona (18 points) with 60 points. We had four (4!) All-MAAC runners in Addie DiFrancesco (4th), Michelle Gaye (6th), Erin Thompson (12th) and Katie Messina (14th). This was a truly thrilling meet to watch.
--On the men's side, we place second behind Iona (15) with 66 points. This was Iona's 21st consecutive team title. On nine (9) occasions, our program was runner-up to Iona -- including each of the past seven (7) years. It is a point of pride for us. We had three All-MAAC runners in Will Griffin (6th), Matt Flint (7th) and Arquimedes DelaCruz (8th). Iona swept the top-5 spots.
There is much more to say and type about the meet, but I will save that for later when I have more time.
Suffice it to say that this was one of the program's finest hours. As always, it was extremely special to share it with our families and our extended family of alumni and friends who always support us so well.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Post from a brother
I wanted to share this link to the Dominicana blog and today's post by Brother Jacob Bertrand Janczyk (Marist Running, Class of 2010).
Brother Janczyk is discussing the sacrament of confession in his post titled "A Cry For Help." This is a topic we discussed in detail during one endless van ride back from a meet a couple of years ago. Brother is obviously passionate about the subject.
And we remain very proud of his spiritual journey.
If you are interested, here is the link to the post.
Brother emailed me and asked me to wish the current Running Red Foxes the best of luck and success in the MAAC meet on Friday.
Hope to see many of you there at Van Cortlandt Park.
Brother Janczyk is discussing the sacrament of confession in his post titled "A Cry For Help." This is a topic we discussed in detail during one endless van ride back from a meet a couple of years ago. Brother is obviously passionate about the subject.
And we remain very proud of his spiritual journey.
If you are interested, here is the link to the post.
Brother emailed me and asked me to wish the current Running Red Foxes the best of luck and success in the MAAC meet on Friday.
Hope to see many of you there at Van Cortlandt Park.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Siren call
In the pre-dawn darkness of my solo morning jog the other day, I ran past the local volunteer firehouse. As if on cue, the siren blared loudly -- nearly frightening me clear out of my Asics.
It blared five times in a row, boosting my adrenaline and certainly shaking the remaining cobwebs out of my head.
A few minutes later as I shuffled along through the deserted neighborhood, a new song came on my iPod shuffle. "Bound for Glory" by the Tedeschi Trucks Band (I know, you've probably never heard of them ...).
In my never-ending search for deeper meaning in the ordinary happenings of life, I couldn't help but think of it: It's MAAC week. Championship time.
The siren call for us as a program. Time for us, as individuals and a group, to step it up. Time to let that inner siren sound and let it all go out on the race course.
And as for the song? The title says it all. And that's what made my fuzzy, early-morning mind think.
MAAC week. Siren call. "Bound for Glory." Sounds good to me.
It blared five times in a row, boosting my adrenaline and certainly shaking the remaining cobwebs out of my head.
A few minutes later as I shuffled along through the deserted neighborhood, a new song came on my iPod shuffle. "Bound for Glory" by the Tedeschi Trucks Band (I know, you've probably never heard of them ...).
In my never-ending search for deeper meaning in the ordinary happenings of life, I couldn't help but think of it: It's MAAC week. Championship time.
The siren call for us as a program. Time for us, as individuals and a group, to step it up. Time to let that inner siren sound and let it all go out on the race course.
And as for the song? The title says it all. And that's what made my fuzzy, early-morning mind think.
MAAC week. Siren call. "Bound for Glory." Sounds good to me.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Nice singlet, dude!
Thanks to Dan Jordy for his comment and link on the Mayor's Cup post. Dan ran in the Mayor's Cup (representing Willow Street AC, he ran a very strong time of 27:37) and sent along links to photos.
I was searching through the more than 100 photos for Conor Shelley in his NYAC singlet (side note: NYAC won the team title, nicely done!) but could not find one.
However, thanks to Dan, I did locate this photo of Vess running in the familiar red-and-white of Marist (in this case, the Marist Alumni Racing Team). Pretty cool.
It should be noted for the record that the Alumni Racing Team didn't actually field a team at Mayor's Cup and that Vess was not "attached" to any team. Still, it's pretty neat to see him wearing the jersey.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Random Monday notes ...
-- It was mentioned in practice but it is worth repeating here: The Coaches Complex in the McCann Recreation Center -- our home on the second floor -- is now a major construction zone.
While our offices are not being touched during this major renovation, the rest of the area is being totally gutted and redone as part of the revamping of the entire McCann Arena. As a result, our offices are basically off limits for the next few weeks due to the hustle and bustle of the work being done. We will have access to the offices to retrieve stuff, but the offices really will not be available for any functional use -- like meetings with recruits/athletes, or other meaningful work.
If you are looking for me during the day or Coach Chuck later in the afternoon, it is best to call or text us as to our whereabouts. If you are looking for me during the day, the best bets are that I will be: a. at home; b. in Donnelly computer lab or class; c. in the library; d. in the McCann Enhancement Center; e. going to Stewart's for some more coffee.
-- Several folks have asked about the MAAC meet race times on Friday: Noon for women; 12:45 p.m. for men. Hope to see many family, friends and alums at Vanny.
-- Our women had a great workout at the Cator Loop at FDR today. It was particularly gratifying to see freshman Christine Coughlin and sophomore Kiersten Anderson make comeback steps from their injury issues. Now it's time for us to freshen/sharpen and get ready for Friday's race.
-- Our men will be back at Cator for their workout on Tuesday. A few guys worked out today; the rest of the squad will do a fartlek on Tuesday.
While our offices are not being touched during this major renovation, the rest of the area is being totally gutted and redone as part of the revamping of the entire McCann Arena. As a result, our offices are basically off limits for the next few weeks due to the hustle and bustle of the work being done. We will have access to the offices to retrieve stuff, but the offices really will not be available for any functional use -- like meetings with recruits/athletes, or other meaningful work.
If you are looking for me during the day or Coach Chuck later in the afternoon, it is best to call or text us as to our whereabouts. If you are looking for me during the day, the best bets are that I will be: a. at home; b. in Donnelly computer lab or class; c. in the library; d. in the McCann Enhancement Center; e. going to Stewart's for some more coffee.
-- Several folks have asked about the MAAC meet race times on Friday: Noon for women; 12:45 p.m. for men. Hope to see many family, friends and alums at Vanny.
-- Our women had a great workout at the Cator Loop at FDR today. It was particularly gratifying to see freshman Christine Coughlin and sophomore Kiersten Anderson make comeback steps from their injury issues. Now it's time for us to freshen/sharpen and get ready for Friday's race.
-- Our men will be back at Cator for their workout on Tuesday. A few guys worked out today; the rest of the squad will do a fartlek on Tuesday.
Busy weekend of racing
Kudos to Marist Running alum Bob Sweeney (he is from back in my era in the late 1980s). Bob now lives in Colorado, but he came back East for a busy weekend of racing (that’s an understatement).
On Saturday, Bob joined his old friends at Westchester Track Club for the National Masters 5km Cross Country Championships up near Rochester. I heard from a local running friend, Mike Slinskey (who did well up there), that the course was a mud-fest. I have not talked to Bob, but I would find it hard to believe that he literally “spiked up” since it is a safe bet he does not own spikes. Bob’s an ultra guy, and spikes are generally not a relevant piece of equipment in 100-kilometer races.
Despite this, Bob ran a very respectable ninth-place finish in 18:01, finishing in the same time as his WTC teammate (and another local running acquaintance) Chris Collins.
Not one to rest on his muddy laurels, Bob entered in and completed the Niagara Falls International Marathon on Sunday. He finished 12th overall in 2:47:11. Here are Bob’s complete stats, according to the official race results: Third place out of 99 in his age group (40-44); 12th out of 606 men in the race; an average of 3:58 per kilometer (hey, it’s an international race); first 13.1 miles: 1:20:32; second 13.1 miles: 1:26:41.
Now, we all know it’s quite common to do a “long run” on the Sunday after a Saturday XC race. But to race a marathon? That’s taking the concept to the extreme.
In all, I would have to say it’s a very impressive double.
On Saturday, Bob joined his old friends at Westchester Track Club for the National Masters 5km Cross Country Championships up near Rochester. I heard from a local running friend, Mike Slinskey (who did well up there), that the course was a mud-fest. I have not talked to Bob, but I would find it hard to believe that he literally “spiked up” since it is a safe bet he does not own spikes. Bob’s an ultra guy, and spikes are generally not a relevant piece of equipment in 100-kilometer races.
Despite this, Bob ran a very respectable ninth-place finish in 18:01, finishing in the same time as his WTC teammate (and another local running acquaintance) Chris Collins.
Not one to rest on his muddy laurels, Bob entered in and completed the Niagara Falls International Marathon on Sunday. He finished 12th overall in 2:47:11. Here are Bob’s complete stats, according to the official race results: Third place out of 99 in his age group (40-44); 12th out of 606 men in the race; an average of 3:58 per kilometer (hey, it’s an international race); first 13.1 miles: 1:20:32; second 13.1 miles: 1:26:41.
Now, we all know it’s quite common to do a “long run” on the Sunday after a Saturday XC race. But to race a marathon? That’s taking the concept to the extreme.
In all, I would have to say it’s a very impressive double.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Mayor's Cup in Boston
Congrats to Marist Running Alum Conor Shelley, now running for the NYAC (New York Athletic Club). At Sunday's Mayor's Cup 8km cross country race at Franklin Park in Boston, Conor was NYAC's fifth man and ran 25:05.
That's an average of 5:05 per mile for close to 5 miles of cross country running. Conor placed 34th out of 176 in the very competitive race. Nicely done!
Conor's former roommate and teammate, Adam Vess, made his first return to racing in nearly a year at the Mayor's Cup. Vess shook off the rust and ran 26:10 (5:18 pace) and placed 69th overall. He reported that it was a solid start on his comeback trail. Vess has been through a lot in the past year, and it's good to see him back on his feet -- literally.
That's an average of 5:05 per mile for close to 5 miles of cross country running. Conor placed 34th out of 176 in the very competitive race. Nicely done!
Conor's former roommate and teammate, Adam Vess, made his first return to racing in nearly a year at the Mayor's Cup. Vess shook off the rust and ran 26:10 (5:18 pace) and placed 69th overall. He reported that it was a solid start on his comeback trail. Vess has been through a lot in the past year, and it's good to see him back on his feet -- literally.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
No one was spiked
Friday’s workout at the Spackenkill High School track went well. While several athletes did indeed “spike up” fortunately no one was actually “spiked.”
This is not a simple play on words; there was a lot of activity and a lot of runners going at a wide variety of paces on that track – not to mention the hulking metal obstruction in lane 1 that could not be moved (sorry, Schanz). Everyone respected everyone’s space and no one got hurt or run over.
Several team members have expressed dismay over the change of practice protocol for the spring semester, in that the men’s and women’s teams will be practicing at different times most days. It is true that the teams feed off each other’s energy on the track. However, practically speaking, it can get crowded out there and the more room our athletes have to work, the better.
Add in high school and modified athletes rightfully using their own track and it can turn into utter chaos. So splitting our large group up in the future makes sense. On this day, though, we were one big happy speedwork family.
Anyway … the women’s team did a good, controlled tempo workout while the men’s team did a good mix of speed and tempo in a continuous 8km workout. It was cloudy and chilly, but thankfully not windy.
One highlight was the Spackenkill team turning sophomore Billy Hild (a Spartan alum) into a cult hero by wildly cheering him on and clanging on cowbells (side note: I find the use of cowbells to motivate runners in road races to be a highly annoying practice).
In all, a good "spike up" day at the track ...
This is not a simple play on words; there was a lot of activity and a lot of runners going at a wide variety of paces on that track – not to mention the hulking metal obstruction in lane 1 that could not be moved (sorry, Schanz). Everyone respected everyone’s space and no one got hurt or run over.
Several team members have expressed dismay over the change of practice protocol for the spring semester, in that the men’s and women’s teams will be practicing at different times most days. It is true that the teams feed off each other’s energy on the track. However, practically speaking, it can get crowded out there and the more room our athletes have to work, the better.
Add in high school and modified athletes rightfully using their own track and it can turn into utter chaos. So splitting our large group up in the future makes sense. On this day, though, we were one big happy speedwork family.
Anyway … the women’s team did a good, controlled tempo workout while the men’s team did a good mix of speed and tempo in a continuous 8km workout. It was cloudy and chilly, but thankfully not windy.
One highlight was the Spackenkill team turning sophomore Billy Hild (a Spartan alum) into a cult hero by wildly cheering him on and clanging on cowbells (side note: I find the use of cowbells to motivate runners in road races to be a highly annoying practice).
In all, a good "spike up" day at the track ...
A worthy cause and a race
Oftentimes in this blog, we highlight the somewhat goofy and irreverent aspects of our team. At this point, I would like to break from the norm and talk about a noble and noteworthy endeavor from freshman cross country team member Mark Valentino.
When Mark was a student-athlete back home in Smithtown, Long Island, he created a road race and fundraiser in honor of his coach Patrick Harmon, who passed away from brain cancer. The second annual Pat Harmon Race for a Cure is Sunday morning back home in Long Island. Now that Mark is in Poughkeepsie, he is no longer directly involved in the day-to-day organization of the race, but he will be there for the race and for the cause.
For those that are interested in donating to the race, the link is www.crowdrise.com/patharmonraceforcure.
The following is background information, excerpted from the Web site above and from Newsday:
In life, Coach Patrick Harmon never gave in. While battling brain cancer for four years, Coach Harmon did not allow his illness to interfere with his love of teaching and coaching. He kept up with his work schedule, despite suffering from the side effects of his medical treatments. Coach Harmon, who lived in Greenlawn and was a physical education teacher and track and football coach at the Smithtown High Schools, died July 17, 2010. Even when he was undergoing painful cancer treatment, Harmon remained a selfless person. He started coaching in 1999 and teaching in 2006. Harmon was an empathetic coach who valued his player's feelings over winning. He was "the greatest coach you could have.
Kudos to Mark for his work on behalf of his former coach.
When Mark was a student-athlete back home in Smithtown, Long Island, he created a road race and fundraiser in honor of his coach Patrick Harmon, who passed away from brain cancer. The second annual Pat Harmon Race for a Cure is Sunday morning back home in Long Island. Now that Mark is in Poughkeepsie, he is no longer directly involved in the day-to-day organization of the race, but he will be there for the race and for the cause.
For those that are interested in donating to the race, the link is www.crowdrise.com/patharmonraceforcure.
The following is background information, excerpted from the Web site above and from Newsday:
In life, Coach Patrick Harmon never gave in. While battling brain cancer for four years, Coach Harmon did not allow his illness to interfere with his love of teaching and coaching. He kept up with his work schedule, despite suffering from the side effects of his medical treatments. Coach Harmon, who lived in Greenlawn and was a physical education teacher and track and football coach at the Smithtown High Schools, died July 17, 2010. Even when he was undergoing painful cancer treatment, Harmon remained a selfless person. He started coaching in 1999 and teaching in 2006. Harmon was an empathetic coach who valued his player's feelings over winning. He was "the greatest coach you could have.
Kudos to Mark for his work on behalf of his former coach.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Spike up
This was a few weeks ago. I was heading down to Vanny for the Mets meet with a small group of guys in the van. The rest of the team was doing the mile repeats workout at the Wallkill River Rail Trail in New Paltz.
Before I left, I typed up the splits for the workout groups and discussed the specifics of the workout with several team members. One team member, Captain Tommy Lipari, had questions about the intensity and the paces. I told him to keep it steady for most of the workout, but if he (and others) felt good they could empty the tank a bit on the last interval.
“Oh,” he said. “I’m gonna spike up then.”
As usual, I was perplexed by the modern jargon, so I said, “Uh, yeah, sure.” But then I was paranoid and wondered if he was being literal – as in, putting on the racing spikes for the last interval. While I am not averse to this practice on occasion, generally I frown upon it. In Tommy’s case, I definitely frowned upon it given his recent injury history.
But then I realized that “spike up” has both literal and figurative meanings to our guys – and, I suppose, to competitive runners in general.
As you prepare to race, when the time comes to head to the starting line, inevitably you will hear guys say, “OK, time to spike up.” This is literal. Time to get your spikes on and race.
But “spike up” also can refer to the mentality – again, not often espoused by me, but sometimes quite useful – of letting it rip a bit and testing your limits within the parameters of a workout or other challenging run.
On Friday, we will be heading to the track for a challenging and continuous speed workout. It is a workout in which we will be looking to work on that delicate balance of speed and endurance. As in all workouts, the goal is to achieve the stated mission of the workout without totally depleting the athletes. You always want to “leave something in the tank” for upcoming races – especially our championship races.
But, boys being boys, there will be “spike up” talk on Friday. A track workout in cross country is a rare occurrence indeed, and the need for speed is a natural inclination for a competitive athlete. So yes. We will be looking to “spike up” a bit on Friday, if only for a few minutes.
Keep in mind, though, that we will be looking to “spike up” for real and for keeps the following Friday at Vanny.
Before I left, I typed up the splits for the workout groups and discussed the specifics of the workout with several team members. One team member, Captain Tommy Lipari, had questions about the intensity and the paces. I told him to keep it steady for most of the workout, but if he (and others) felt good they could empty the tank a bit on the last interval.
“Oh,” he said. “I’m gonna spike up then.”
As usual, I was perplexed by the modern jargon, so I said, “Uh, yeah, sure.” But then I was paranoid and wondered if he was being literal – as in, putting on the racing spikes for the last interval. While I am not averse to this practice on occasion, generally I frown upon it. In Tommy’s case, I definitely frowned upon it given his recent injury history.
But then I realized that “spike up” has both literal and figurative meanings to our guys – and, I suppose, to competitive runners in general.
As you prepare to race, when the time comes to head to the starting line, inevitably you will hear guys say, “OK, time to spike up.” This is literal. Time to get your spikes on and race.
But “spike up” also can refer to the mentality – again, not often espoused by me, but sometimes quite useful – of letting it rip a bit and testing your limits within the parameters of a workout or other challenging run.
On Friday, we will be heading to the track for a challenging and continuous speed workout. It is a workout in which we will be looking to work on that delicate balance of speed and endurance. As in all workouts, the goal is to achieve the stated mission of the workout without totally depleting the athletes. You always want to “leave something in the tank” for upcoming races – especially our championship races.
But, boys being boys, there will be “spike up” talk on Friday. A track workout in cross country is a rare occurrence indeed, and the need for speed is a natural inclination for a competitive athlete. So yes. We will be looking to “spike up” a bit on Friday, if only for a few minutes.
Keep in mind, though, that we will be looking to “spike up” for real and for keeps the following Friday at Vanny.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Dean of the marathon
A hearty NICELY DONE goes out to Marist's Dean of Admission Kent Rinehart.
Kent ran a personal-best time of 3:36:44 at last Saturday's Baltimore Marathon. For those keeping score at home, Kent's time is an average of 8:16 per mile.
Interestingly, I heard about Kent's personal-best run first from one of our athletes in the van ride back from UAlbany, who saw it on Twitter. Funny how news spreads in 2011.
Anyway, great job to Kent, a longtime hockey player and coach who is relatively new to this running thing. He's obviously a quick study at this long-distance running deal.
Kent ran a personal-best time of 3:36:44 at last Saturday's Baltimore Marathon. For those keeping score at home, Kent's time is an average of 8:16 per mile.
Interestingly, I heard about Kent's personal-best run first from one of our athletes in the van ride back from UAlbany, who saw it on Twitter. Funny how news spreads in 2011.
Anyway, great job to Kent, a longtime hockey player and coach who is relatively new to this running thing. He's obviously a quick study at this long-distance running deal.
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