When asked his thoughts via telephone interview from the Minneapolis International Airport, CBWXC2009's own PIAA State Medalist Nick Scarpello only said, "Holy crap." With this kind of performance across all three races today, the Bucks may have heads across Pennsylvania turning soon. The Bucks are currently (unofficially) ranked 14th out of 258 Pennsylvania XC teams that have run in invitationals so far this season.
Leading the effort in the Varsity race with their sixth-seventh-eighth finish were Chris Berry (17:12), Alex Predhome (17:16), and Nico Metzler (17:19). Ben Smith followed with a highlight-reel-worthy performance of 33rd place. Smith was followed closely by UNIVEST Athlete of the Week Rob Mitchell (36th, 18:13), super sophomore Ben Aunins (48th), and junior Brandon Ciliberto, who made his Varsity debut today.
The Bucks' Varsity 1-5 spread of 61 seconds was the best it has been all season by over 15 seconds. This achievement is incredible given the wet and hilly terrain that extended the duration of the race.
Not to be outdone, the Bucks' JV runners passed scores of competitors in the last mile of the difficult course to secure another 2nd place team finish amongst the large and competitive field. Will Bone, Jimmie Kilgannon, and Eric Zoleski led the way, earning 4th, 11th, and 14th place hardware. Following closely behind were Austin Kline (19th), Shawn Young (20th), and Graham Thomas (30th).
The Bucks undoubtedly had the fastest group of four freshman to boot. Remarkably, Ben Severn (12th), Ian Davies (16th), Patrick Kelly (23rd), and Jake Doherty (25th) all placed in the top 25, indicating that the future is quite bright for CBWXC.
The running Bucks return to action on their home course for the final time this season on Wednesday at 3:30 pm, as they look to extend their season's dual meet unbeaten streak to 4 wins. The Bucks will host Suburban One League Continental Conference rivals Hatboro-Horsham and Souderton.