By: Kristy Booher Angelo, Associate Athletic Director
For More Info: booherk@gilmour.org
As we all know, the 2020 fall sports season has been a series of uphill battles for teams competing throughout the nation due to the current world pandemic. The Lancer cross country program too, has faced its own challenges such as not knowing when and where it will compete next as invitationals continue to get slashed from the schedule each passing week. Gilmour has pivoted in the time of uncertainty and adopted a smaller format in the opening few weeks, hosting tri- and quad-meets on campus. The smaller events have proved prosperous for the program as both teams have flourished, especially the girls team.
Last weekend, the Division III No. 10-ranked Lancer girls held a tri-meet along with Division I No. 12-ranked Shaker Heights and No. 15-ranked Saint Joseph Academy. According to Lancer head coach Matt Lindley, "The morning was perfect in terms of running conditions, and the competition was top-notch."
It was a battle of heavyweights, and when the teams were all across the line, Shaker Heights had scored 31, followed closely by Saint Joe's with 47 and the Lancers with 50. Individually, all of the Lancers shined. Amy Weybrecht '24 (pictured) continued her strong start to the season, with the in-form freshman winning the race individually with a dazzling time of 19:19, which is the seventh fastest time in program history.
"Amy is an outstanding runner with such great potential," said Lindley. "She is dedicated to her training and she is always focused on doing her best. She knows that the hours of training, whether a long run, speed work or strength training all contribute to her success. At the same time, she is an outstanding teammate, always supportive of others and keeping a positive attitude. She is a real pleasure to coach."
Also turning in a strong performance was captain Caitrina Barton '21. In her season debut, she ran one of the strongest races of her career, taking third in 20:05. The rest of the squad performed well, with Mary Lombardo '22 (12th in 20:51), Gia Rosko '24 (15th in 21:32) and Mia Polisena '22 (24th in 22:32) rounding out the scoring for the Lancers. The rest of the girls all had season-best or career-best times on Gilmour's difficult course.
The boys toed the line next against DI squads from Shaker Heights, St. Edward and Cornerstone Christian. In this crowded, talented field, the boys finished third, besting Cornerstone while trailing Shaker and St. Edward. All of the boys had season-best or career-best times. The Lancers were again paced by Scott Vergilii '23, who placed 24th in 19:19. Tim Papczun '24 (30th in 20:04), Michael Piccirillo '24 (31st in 20:15), Andrew Lewis '23 (34th in 24:37) and Ben Lindley '24 (35th in 24:49) rounding out the scoring for the young Lancer squad.
"The boys showed great heart and work ethic facing off against such talented teams," said Lindley.
Check out photos from the meet on the Athletics Online Photo Gallery.
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