By: Matt Lindley, Head Coach
For More Info: Kristy Booher Angelo, Associate Athletic Director, booherk@gilmour.org
The leaves are changing, October is upon us, and that means it's time for the big meets to begin. The Lancers travelled to Canavan Elementary in Medina to defend a brace of district titles won last year. In a roller coaster day of emotion, the Lancers had great performances all around and advanced many to the regional meet this coming weekend.
The girls took to the course first. Hanging back for the first mile, the Lancer pack allowed the race to develop before turning up the intensity. In the second mile, the girls began to take charge, moving into position to secure an emphatic win. All five scorers were in the top 19 overall, led by Caitrina Barton '21 (5th) and Kaitlin Rulison '23 (8th). Jorja Hlifka '20 (16th), Mary Lombardo '22 (17th) and Mia Polisena (19th) slammed the door on the championship hopes of any of the other 16 schools in the race. This district title marks the ninth consecutive crown for the girls program and the 13th since 2005. The girls move on to the regional championship at Boardman on October 26.
The boys ran next, facing a tough field with many quality teams. The boys all put outstanding effort into their races with many running personal-best times. Unfortunately, the boys came up one spot shy of moving on to the regional meet by placing fifth out of 17 schools. The Lancers beat many teams who had previously beaten them in the season, so though disappointed, the boys were able to hold their heads high. Despite the team failing to qualify, the senior duo of Bryson Simpson '20 and Cole Durdella '20 will advance as individuals to the regional meet. Simpson placed second individually and Durdella was 12th. The other scorers for the boys included Scott Vergilii '23 (39th), Garret Tomasek '20 (53rd) and Will Kay '23 (59th). The two male qualifiers will compete in Boardman on October 26.
#GoGA #WeAreGilmour