Turpin XC Recap: Weeks 2-4

The Turpin Spartans have began the 2009 cross country season impressively, taking on some of Cincinnati's toughest teams in the first few weeks of the season.  Weeks 2-4 proved challenging but beneficial to the Spartans, as each runner improves by time and place each meet. 

After the hilly season-opener at Brian Plasman, the Turpin XC teams went to the flat, fast course at the St. Ursula invitational.  The meet proved to be a huge morale booster for Turpin as personal bests were made for almost every single athlete on both the guys and girls teams.  The meet was not officially scored, as the races were broken up between freshmen/sophomores and juniors/seniors.  Results for the St. Ursula invitational can be found at http://oh.milesplit.us/meets/57383. 

The Mason Invitational was the challenge for week 3.  As Seniors Jon Risher and Alex Polivka were absent from the meet, sophomore Spencer Lloyd and junior Adam Galloway were added as varsity runners.  Both Turpin teams struggled to place well in the very competitive Mason meet, as the guys came in 7th and the girls came in 9th.  Results for the Mason Invitational can be found at http://oh.milesplit.us/meets/48324. 

For week 4, the Spartans went to a new course in the Milford Invitational.  The rough, flat fields of Milford were not enough to prevent many personal bests for the Spartan teams.  Senior Dave Rodriguez was able to run his first personal best in over two years with an impressive 16:33.  Senior Nicholas El-Khoury won the varsity race in 16:23 and led the Turpin team to their 1st place victory.  The ever-changing girl's varsity team was led by junior rookie Adrienne Grogan in 20:25 and followed closely by fellow junior Cassie Bacon in 20:32.  The girls team ran well enough to earn a 3rd place finish.  Results for the Milford Invitational can be found at http://oh.milesplit.us/meets/58072.   

The Spartans just reached the halfway point of their season at the Harrison Invitational.  Many thanks to those who continue to come out and support the Turpin teams at each race as we continue our successful season.