OPXC Dominates at Counties

On Wednesday, October 25th, the Oratory Prep Cross Country team competed in the Union Country Championship meet at Warinanco Park. The varsity team placed an impressive fourth place in the county, finishing only behind Westfield, Union Catholic, and Summit. However, if all seven of their varsity runners were scored, they would have beaten Summit too.

This fourth place victory is impressive as the country continues to improve. The team ran a 17:15 average at the 5,150 meter course, which equals a 16:42 5k average. That is an OP record! The team was led by Michael Cantaluppi (16:55) who placed 17th overall. He was followed by a pack of OP runners: Addison Drone (17:14), Eric Rhines (17:20), Casey McKee (17:20), Fernando Aviles (17:29), Jake Noss (17:35), and Alex Rickard (17:39).

The JV team placed third in the county with an impressive run by Aidan Watkins who finished in 9th place with a 17:43 time. He was followed by Kevin dePoortere (18:16), Chris Kraemer (18:24),  Christopher Uustal (18:30), Jack Sula (18:59), Brendan Kleinle (19:22), and Ethan Kang (19:35). Their average was 18:22.

Additionally, many runners, both listed and not listed, had their own personal records despite the course being 150 meters longer than an actual 5K. The team hopes to build off of their success this Saturday for CTCs at Greystone Park.