OPXC Season Ends with Record Holmdel Race

On Saturday, November 11th, the OPXC varsity squad competed in their last meet of the 2017 season at Holmdel Park for the NJSIAA Group Championships. The Rams were in Non-Public Group A, one of the most competitive groups that includes the nationally known Cross Country team from CBA (Christian Brothers Academy). Despite the competitive race, the team ran well. Senior Mike Cantaluppi led the team coming in at exactly 17:00; he finished not even a minute after the race winner from CBA in 17th place overall. He was followed by Casey McKee (17:41). Next, Senior Addison Drone and Junior Fernando Aviles both finished with the same time of 17:50. Eric Rhines and Alexander Rickard had times of 18:00 and 18:12 respectively. Senior Jake Noss ran an 18:42 with a strong sprint towards the finish line.  

The team had an average pace of 17:40, a record for the team’s history at this course. This marks the last Cross Country race for Mike Cantaluppi, Addison Drone, and Jake Noss as they will be graduating this spring. The JV Seniors had their final meet at Oak Ridge Park on November 8th. The 2017 season for the Oratory Cross Country Team broke the most team records with an impressive victory at the Union County Conference Championship, a solid 4th place showing in the Union County Championship, a 1st place finish for small schools in CTC’s, and a strong conclusion with another broken record at Holmdel Park.