Rhode Island runners had a GREAT showing at the Great American X-C Festival!
In the Race of Champions, two races that featured some of the best athletes from the east coast and beyond, top finishes were plentiful for R.I.
Further proving that the girls’ state meet next month should be one of history’s best, three harriers placed in the top seven and five were among the first 25 to cross the line at WakeMed Soccer Complex in Cary, N.C.
La Salle Academy sophomore Eliza Rego was an outstanding third overall with a time of 18 minutes, 2 seconds. Just a few strides behind in fifth place was Barrington sophomore Emma McMillan, who was timed in 18:07 for the five-kilometer course. The Eagles’ Abby Livingston was seventh at 18:16.3. All three times would rank among the top four in state meet competition in R.I. with Rego and McMillan finishing ahead of former La Salle great Jeanne Mack’s winning time of 18:14.6 at the 2007 championship. Rego’s time is also ahead of ex-La Salle standout Molly Keating’s runner-up performance of 18:11 at the 2011 New England meet. No. 2 all-time in the state.
Two other Rhody girls broke 19 minutes with the Rams’ Karina Tavares, a sophomore, placing 13th overall with a time of 18:34.9 and Classical senior Maddy Berkson taking 25th in 18:49.2. As a team, Barrington placed fifth with 146 points and La Salle was seventh among the 19 teams with 195 points.
Bishop Hendricken senior Colin Tierney turned in the fastest effort for R.I. boys, finishing 19th overall at 15:31. The highlight of the meet was the performance of La Salle freshman D.J. Principe. The gifted ninth-grader made a statement that he should be considered among the favorites for the individual state crown next month by placing 28th overall with an impressive 15:41.5 clocking.
The Hawks’ Michael Potter, a junior, was 34th at 15:49.8. La Salle sophomore Jack Salisbury also broke 16 minutes with a time of 15:58.8. Junior teammate Jake Grundy was 54th at 16:11.3, just ahead of Hendricken sophomore Avery Ingegneri, who was 55th at 16:12.6. Hendricken was sixth among teams with 235 points and La Salle took 12th with 307. Twenty-three squads competed in the ROC.
For complete results, click here.
