Cross Country Keeps Rolling.....

by Max Zweiner

During this past weekend, The Hendricken cross country team flew north to Manchester, New Hampshire to compete in the Manchester Invitational. The Hawks (at large) finished 4th in a field of 33 teams with 164 points. Michael Potter led the varsity Hawks, placing 12th overall with a time of 16:38:09.

The JV Hawks, however, also claimed first place in their field of 39 teams, scoring the lowest with 21 points. Dominic Parlato placed first with a time of 17:01:79. The young freshman Hawks also caught the attention of everyone up in Manchester by placing 4th in a field of 24 teams, despite not having their top runner, Alex Mansour.

Overall at Manchester, Coach Brennan felt that the team “Did very well, but could have done even better.”

Two days later, this past Monday, September 29, the Hawks’ cross country team once again soared in their third dual meet of the season, this time competing against Coventry and Classical. As usual, Goddard Park was the setting as the Hawks trampled over both Coventry (15-50) and Classical (17-46). Although Hawks' team leader Michael Potter was out on recovery from the Manchester meet, Tom Grizzetti picked up the slack and ran a best-overall time of 16:32.

Athletes sporting the green and gold jerseys held the lead for the vast majority of the race, a lead they held until the end in dominating fashion.

Hendricken claimed 14 of the top 15 slots, leaving Coventry and Classical to file in well behind. Grant Gauthier (2nd), Michael Kiernan (3rd), and Nicholas Celico (8th) - after being held out in the last dual meet - made their presence felt on the trail, all finishing in those top 15.

Coach Brennan’s reactions to the Manchester Invitational and the most recent dual meet can be heard below in “What They’re Saying”.

The Hawks’ next dual meet is next Monday, October 6th, once again at Goddard Park.