One of the most prestigious regional meets on the east coast includes a strong contingent of Rhode Islanders.
The teams of Bishop Hendricken, La Salle Academy and Barrington and Classical senior Maddy Berkson are down south this weekend for the Great American Cross-Country Festival in Cary, North Carolina.
In the featured New Balance Race of Champions’ competition, which attracts the top elite squads, Bishop Hendricken and La Salle Academy are scheduled to toe the line for boys. Barrington and the Purple’s Berkson will test their mettle against the girls. The meet takes place on Saturday at the WakeMed Soccer Complex.
Barrington, the two-time defending state champions and 2012 New England titlist, was recently ranked No. 25 in the weekly Saucony Elite 50 national list. The Eagles should fare well against the elites.
In a meet on Tuesday against St. Raphael and East Providence, five of their runners clocked 19:35 or faster for 3 miles at Slater Park. Sophomore Emma McMillan and senior teammates Mary Kate Coogan and Abby Livingston are all capable of running in the low- to mid-18 minute range for the 5K distance.
La Salle will be without junior Sheridan Wilbur, who is recovering from a hip injury. The Rams still field a solid core that, so far. is unbeaten in league competition. Sophomore Eliza Rego has been on fire this season, winning most of her races by large margins. She also capable of a fast time in N.C. It will be interesting to see what Berkson can do in her first major cross-country competition. She always seems to shine on the big stage.
Hendricken and La Salle, who will more than likely be battling each other for the team crown at next month’s state championship, will face one another for the first time this season. Both are undefeated in their respective divisions and both don’t appear to be slowing down. Hendricken placed second this past Saturday at the Manchester Invitational in New Hampshire with senior Colin Tierney winning the race in 15:38, the fifth fastest time recorded at Derryfield Park. The Hawks’ Michael Potter, a junior, has also been consistently fast on the trails. La Salle has some talented harriers such as junior Jake Grundy, sophomore Matt Bouthilette and outstanding freshman D.J. Principe.
In the 2012 race, recent Chariho grad Bryce Kelley was the top finisher from R.I., placing 37th among the elite runners with a time of 15:45.3. The Hawks were tenth overall among the 31 schools. Former standout Connor Doyle was 50th to lead his teammates.
Hendricken will be sending the most athletes to North Carolina with two varsity and five junior varsity teams. The La Salle boys will have a varsity and junior varsity team. The Barrington girls will have two varsity squads and the Lady Rams will have a varsity and junior varsity squad.
The Great American will feature 17 races that will stretch from 8 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. The Race of Champions starts at 10:40 a.m. for boys and 11 a.m. for girls.
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