by Chris Cruickshank
The Rockford High School boys cross county team participated in split squad events over the weekend, with the varsity team running at the Spartan Invitational in East Lansing on Friday, Sept. 17, and the junior varsity team running at the Sparta Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 18.
As it had been for the past few years, the Sparta Invitational was wet and slippery. Due to passing thunder and lightning early on, it was delayed 90 minutes. But the delay had little effect on the Rams, who took the top 11 places in the junior varsity race.
The Rams’ Austin Benoit led from start to finish, completing the rain-soaked course in 17:58. Rounding out the top 11 spots for the Rams with a 47-second spread were Casey Aman, Evan Bruin, Andrew Pitcher, Tyler Harney, Conner Jewell, Nate McQueen, Cam Fasel, Grant Aman, Tim Newberger and Matt Albano.
Coach Martin commented, “The guys ran very well today considering the conditions. What I liked most is that they came out and pushed the pace from the very beginning and ran together—each of the top 15 Ram finishers ran with and finished near at least one other teammate. We practice running in groups to help push each other.”
Next up, the Rams harriers run at East Rockford Middle School against East Kentwood on Wednesday, Sept. 22, and at the Cougar-Falcon Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Gainey Complex, located on East Paris Drive in Kentwood.
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