The Sentinels Striders earned a bit of history at the USATF National Junior Olympic Cross-Country Championships in Texas.
For the first time in the club’s history, one of its teams captured a national title. Led by a runner-up effort from Wickford native Sam Toolin, the Striders’ age 11-12 squad took first-place honors by defeating the Indiana All-Stars, 81-101. Toolin crossed the line in 9 minutes, 52.17 seconds for the three-kilometer course at San Antonio’s National Shooting Complex. He was less than 11 seconds behind individual winner, Joseph Waskom of Speed Unlimited (Wash.), who was timed in 9:41.49.
Like Toolin, the Striders’ Maxwell DiMuccio also received All-American status by taking 17th overall in 10:29.48. The winning team’s remaining members included Jack Perrault (26th, 10:38.37), Mike Del Sesto (30th, 10:43.75) and Ashton Burnett (51st, 10:53.79).
The Smithfield-based Striders had one other All American at the national meet. Stephanie Mattson finished 18th overall in the 17-18 race with a time of 20:27.22 for the 5K distance.
Among other highlights:
The Striders’ Adam Petti was 27th in the 15-16 division with a 5K time of 16:53.82. Abdullah Kaba was 60th with a 17:45.22 clocking. Rebecca Meinertz was the top local runner in the 15-16 girls’ race, placing 56th with a time of 21:18.34. Isabella Cournoyer was 73rd at 21:49.10.
In the 17-18 boys’ race, Kevin Seaver took 33rd overall with a time of 17:00.06. Teammate Brandon Mungeam was 46th at 17:21.22.
Brandon Hall was 54th among 443 runners in the 13-14 category with a time of 13:56.34 for the 4K distance. Matthew Vinacco was 90th at 14:09.37. Eleanor Lawler was the first Strider to finish the girls’ 13-14 race, placing 27th with a time of 15:10.39. Kaitlyn Brayman was 60th at 15:39.28.
Running unattached, Cumberland's Jack Casey was 37th in the 9-10 division with a time of 11:33.99 for 3K.
For complete results, click here.
