Hurdles Still Left to Jump Over After Week Three

Last Saturday, the Spartan cross country teams traveled to Mason after a two year absence following their withdraw from the Fort Ancient Valley Conference. A few modifications to the old course resulted in a more challenging second mile, with several hills and a pass though a creek. Trying not to be daunted, both Turpin teams hoped to increase their competitiveness. While some gains were made in this area, it is apparent that there still is work to be done to become a top contender.

As is the case in many races, the varsity girls set the stage for the day. Senior Kaitlin Price led the team placing sixth in 19:36, behind her nemesis Alanah Sonntag of Sycamore. Not far behind was Megan Plichta finishing eleventh. Lauren Young was the third Turpin scorer finishing about 30 seconds behind Plichta in 20:46. Lauren Keen and Cassie Bacon rounded out the scoring Spartans finishing in 21:30 and 22:12, respectively. Liz Martin placed seventy-sixth with a time of 22:33, while Hannah Plattner and Caroline Muth finished in close succession with respective times of 22:51 and 22:54. As a team, the girl’s finished fifth behind St. Ursula, Mason, Oak Hills, and Sycamore.

Several hours later the boys headed to the start line. In addition to a surprising increase in temperature, the boys were surprised to learn of a series of three hay bales that had been placed on the course to jump over. Junior stud-runner Nicholas El-Khoury ran a very strong race finishing third in 16:29, marking his third top-three finish of the season. Dave Rodriguez, still racing into shape after his injury, finished in 17:11, with Drew DiSabatino not far behind finishing in 17:25. Both Alex Polivka and Joe Murry set PRs finishing in 18:03 and 18:20, respectively, while Jon Risher was not far off his PR finishing in 18:28. Zach Smith had his second consecutive slow race finishing in 19:04 with Jack Reeder also hoping to drop significant time after finishing 19:16. An expanded 10 person roster allowed freshman Paul Rodriguez and Derek Tucker to make their varsity debut, Rodriguez racing in only his second 5k. Overall, Turpin placed fourth, just three points behind third place Celina, and ten points behind second place Sycamore.

The Spartans will next race in Dayton at the Alliance invitational on September 13, 2008.

Photos from the Mason Invitational.
Complete girls and boys results.