The Mahopac cross country team continued its recent success at the Dan Purdy Invitational at Pawling High School on Sept. 19, with the girls team taking first place for the third year in a row in a crowded field of nearly 30 teams.
Noting that the meet was the most well-attended in recent memory, Mahopac coach Kelley Posch called the victory extra sweet.
“Last fall, we lost to North Rockland at the sectional championships, so we were excited to compete against them today,” Posch said.
This year, the medals included an individual title as well.
“Senior captain Kira Waring has consistently been near the top of this race over the last few years, but saved her best for last with a commanding win,” Posch said. “She had a tremendous summer of training, and she is reaping the benefits of her hard work.”
Waring credited her performance to her offseason program.
“I felt really good, and I’m so happy I got a win at one of my favorite courses,” she said. “My hard work over the summer is definitely paying off, and it’s exciting to see what the team and I are able to do just two races into the season. I’m super excited to see us all continue to grow over the season and make my senior year as memorable as possible.”
But Waring wasn’t the only Mahopac runner to earn her coach’s praise. Cara O’Halloran — who was strong in indoor and outdoor track last season — took sixth place in only her second cross country race.
“She has such an intuitive understanding of how to race,” Posch said. “She has run track for the last two years and is adjusting very well to the cross country distance. We are excited to see her continue to grow her confidence as the season progresses.”
Posch said Daniella Marks, Evangelina Doupis and Summer McDermott also had strong performances.
“They were instrumental in our second-place finish at the sectional championships last year,” Posch said. “We will be looking to them to continue moving forward together as the season progresses.”
Another relative newcomer, Mikaela Polanco-Cartmill, also competed in only her second cross country race.
“She’s a tough cookie and will be very important for us this fall,” Posch said.
“I’m really happy with how today went for the girls,” the coach said. “At this point in the season, we’re transitioning from that summer base into building competitive momentum, and I was equal parts unsurprised and excited about how strong they ran.
“They’ve done the work to earn these results—it just takes courage on the day,” Posch added. “They certainly had the courage today, and I’m excited to see where we go from here. As long as we stay happy and healthy, the times and results will follow suit.”
The boys were led by Alex Zamrzla and senior Thomas Barron, who finished 47th and 68th, respectively, in what Posch called a very competitive field.
Other boys also stepped up.
“I’m very impressed by our third and fourth runners, Matthew Frissora and Ryan Davis,” Posch said. “Matthew broke 20 minutes for the first time, and Ryan ran his second varsity race ever with a very strong finish. We will be looking to these two to close the gap and work their way toward Thomas to strengthen the team score.”
Posch noted that the team wasn’t at full strength at the meet.
“Historically, we start to see some illness setting in around this time of the season, so we had a few athletes battling that or who were unable to run,” she said. “Especially considering that, we are pleased with how this meet went.”
Boys captain Barron said the team “performed pretty well” despite the injuries and illnesses.
“Our youth core—Ryan Davis and Kealtonn Fitzpatrick especially—has really begun to develop and break out so early in their careers, with huge personal records,” Barron said. “Matt Frissora also had a great day, going under 20 minutes for the first time in his career and accomplishing his season goal in the second meet. Training and hills have continued to push this team to be the best it can be while minimizing injuries. Alex Zamrzla continues to perform, and I believe he will easily run 17:15 this season, if not faster.”
Co-coach Janet Bauer said she and Posch were happy with the teams’ performances and saw the potential for more.
“With only two races under our belts, we have already proven how much we have grown and developed on both sides,” Bauer said. “The boys side has great returning talent and some new faces, and they are all bringing their A-game. Our girls have been fearless and have taken on the season with such great confidence, which has already proven to be the recipe for success. We can’t wait to see how far we can go.”
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here