The OP JV squad recently had their final meet of the year. After a final week of running, this meet marked the culmination of the team’s hard work and determination. Mr. McCrystal had high expectations and faith in the teams potential to succeed at the Greystone course. After a disappointing race a week prior to the finale, the Rams were ready to rebound with a strong performance to end the year. They were able to do just that by finishing first overall in the JV race.
The conditions for race day were difficult with 80 degree weather. Although it was nice outside, it wasn’t exactly the best running weather. However, the JV squad would have the advantage of racing at a familiar course. Returning to Greystone was a beneficial factor for the Rams as they already raced their twice before, so they were more familiar with the course than other teams. The boys had all undergone another physically and mentally intense season of training to prepare them for this race. As the JV team gathered in their classic prayer circle, an electric energy filled the air. This meet stood out from many previous ones for a special reason, as the Rams were fortunate to have every single member of the JV squad ready to run, including returning senior Sam Rothman.
In the first mile the Rams were dominant as senior Connor Heffernan led the pack with a 5:21 first mile. About 12 runners ran a sub-6:00 first mile, which was a positive sign. The second mile was strong for many as well, but the third mile posed more challenges due to its hilly terrain. The runners were left fatigued by then, partly because of the unusual heat. However, as the runners came into the shoot, they managed to end the race strongly. Coming in first for the JV team was Connor Heffernan who set a personal record (PR) and placed 7th, capping off his senior season. He was followed by Tristan Knight, who averaged a 6:08 per mile and just missed the top 10 with a time of 19:01. James Milton and Luca Vessecchia proceeded to follow as Milton achieved a 19:03, and Vessachia set a PR with a time of 19:31. Eight runners also broke the elusive 20-minute mark, along with senior Dean Webber who concluded his senior campaign. Alexander Kieschke, Max Jung, Raphael Fajolle, Marko Kvesic, Matt Maloba, Jonathan Barbanell, Donald Yapczencksi, Aiden Lontai, and Aidan Mowen all set PRs as well as they capped off a strong showing for JV. Overall the Rams had a solid finish, in which there is a lot more to build onto. The seniors this year have established a strong foundation to ensure OPXC’s continued success. The next Top 7, after the Varsity team, has one more race on Wednesday at the Viking Last Chance Invitational, where they aim to finish strong at Oak Ridge, a classic course.
