"Small but Mighty at Wildlife Sanctuary"

Springfield, Illinois – October 2001, -- "We are not here to compete in the team competition. We are here as individuals seeking our personal bests," were the words addressing the Blessed Sacrament/St. Agnes CC teams upon their arrival to Wildlife Sanctuary for Wednesday's CC meet. Two meets back to back four days before Sectionals was considered to be too much by Coach Ralph who decided to take only half the team to compete against Chatham, Grant, Christian Elementary and Lincoln Magnet on October 4th.

The young BSS/SAS kids took this challenge as their moment shine and shine they did. Olivia Gay, a sixth grader, went out in front of the BSS/SAS girl's pack and decided she liked it there. She held tight to her spot all the way through the course running a very strong race and setting a personal best time of 15:49 for the ten spot on team finishes. Right behind Gay, piling in, as we so like them to do, were 11, and 12, Katelyn White (15:58) and Kylie Enno(15:59) two more sixth graders!  Rounding out the team points with 15, and 16 were Anne Cumming(17:15) and Leslie Criscone(18:00) also sixth graders. Last but certainly not least was Rachel Jennings(6th grade) blasting another 3 minutes off her personal best!!!!

The boy's team consisting of only four runners at this meet held another moment of glory. Ben Ahrens went out stronger than he has all year and blew away his personal best time posting sub 15 with a 14:27. Following Ahrens was Devin Mapes posting another PB of 14:46 and Andy Ralph at 15:07. Danny Lord closed the gap at 17:07. Fine performances were had by all against the depth of the highly talented Chatham Glenwood team.
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NOTE: Look for Rochester Press Release to be out tomorrow after official results are faxed in. Last practice before Sectionals at Washington Park 3:25 Friday!! Everyone should be in attendance!!!