Archive: Sports

Jon Cleveland and Kathryn Shaw saved the last meet of the season to show us what they were really made of. The State meet, which was held at SUNY Plattsburg on Saturday, November 14th became wet and treacherous by the end of the day. Tight turns and muddy hills caused many athletes to lose footing, sliding down the last bank to the finish That didn’t stop senior Jon Cleveland from breaking 17:00 minutes and finishing his season with a  PR of 16:57, while also earning him 31st out of 131 other Class C competitors.

Cleveland was also recognized at the start of the race as the boy athlete in Section IV who earned the award for best sportsmanship. Senior Josh Barber was able to maintain steady footing while pushing through the relatively flat course that looped around the trails of the Plattsburg campus. His time of 17:21 earned him a spot in the top 50 (48th overall) – a great way to end a four year cross country career.


The girls had the unfortunate luck of running the last race of the day. Hours of rain made the course slippery, yet still very competitive. Junior Kathryn Shaw was able to run her best time of the season, despite these conditions. She placed 63rd out of 123 other Class C runners with a time of 21:01. Teammate Shanna Swanson also did well, placing 78th with a time of 21:30. The experience was one that neither will forget, yet are looking forward to being a part of again next year!


The Fall Sports Awards were also held this past week on Tuesday, November 17th in the high school gymnasium. Each athlete of the Cross Country team was recognized for the participation and success in the 2009 season. This year’s Coach’s awards were given to a junior and senior who were always there to support and lead the team. Their leadership and drive to always succeed was recognized by the team, as well as other athletes and coaches. This year’s Coach’s awards went to co-captain Luke Davis and Neila Thomas. This year’s Most Improved for the boys went to an athlete who improved greatly throughout his high school cross country career. He achieved his own personal goal of breaking 20 minutes was the third place team finisher at IACs and ran a personal best time of 19:30 at Sectionals. Daniel Comisi earned the 2009 Most Improved Award.


 For the girls, one athlete in particular improved from running  24:46 at the first meet to placing first for the team at Divisionals, was named a first team all star and ran a personal best of 20:36. She has proven that she is both a sprinter and distance runner.  . This year’s Most Improved award went to senior  and co-captain Chloe Ryan.

This season turned out better than I had ever expected as a coach. I had athletes who were committed, driven, motivated and supportive of each other. They showed great sportsmanship at home and away and always worked together. This year’s seniors will be greatly missed and I wish them all the best in the future

Thank you to everyone who supported our season, especially the parents who drove countless miles to cheer on our team, take photos and host pasta parties. Thank you all for an amazing experience!

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