Auggie Gaudio leads Bulldog runners at Mount Zion
By Fred Kroner
The Bulldogs’ top five runners crossed the finish line within 17 seconds of one another on Monday (Sept. 14) in a three-school race at Mount Zion.
Auggie Gaudio was the team-leader, finishing the 2-mile course in third place in 12 minutes and 22 seconds. He was a step in front of teammate Justus Vrona (fourth in 12:23).
Other teammates in the top 10 were Ty Clark (fifth in 12:25), Blake Dillman (eighth in 12:34) and Henry McMurry (ninth in 12:39).
In the race for team honors, M-S edged Mount Zion 29-35 with Effingham (58) placing third.
Other Bulldog leaders in the 35-person race were Lukas Nykaza (11th in 12:42), Parker Wilkins (12th in 12:51), Ethan Peterka (13th in 12:53) and Ethan Ramirez (14th in 13:25).
An open co-ed race was held for runners who didn’t compete in one of the two varsity races.
M-S swept all of the positions in the top 10, with meet champion Liam Noonan finishing the 2-mile course in 14 minutes and one second.
On his heels was runner-up Beau Back (14:02).
Other teammates in the top 10 were: Tucker Loven (third in 14:13), Jack Van Hoorn (fourth in 14:17), Bryton Perkins (fifth in 14:20), Will Slezak (sixth in 14:23), Jack Meyer (seventh in 15:08), Ainsley Smith (eighth in 15:08), Lindsay Gowler (ninth in 15:10) and Ella Ylagan (10th in 15:12).
“When we quickly planned for a whole new meet schedule this year (due to COVID-19), the coaches asked administration to find some good quality teams in the area that would push our runners to setting and reaching goals,” M-S coach Lisa Martin said. “That is exactly what happened when Mount Zion accepted our meet invitations.
“In fact, we are running against them multiple times, which makes for a great season of growth.”
On Thursday (Sept. 17), M-S held a junior varsity meet at 13 Acres Park against Mount Zion, and dominated the competition.
Each of the top 10 finishers were wearing a Bulldog jersey.
Sean Dady-Dreher took the lead from the outset and never let up, blitzing the competition. His 2-mile time of 13 minutes and 25 seconds enabled him to finish 51 seconds in front of his closest pursuer.
“Sean is coming off of an injury and gradually finding his racing legs again,” Martin said. “Following the individual leaders were packs of Bulldogs working hard together to reach personal records.
“Coaches are proud of the effort given by every runner.”
Other Bulldogs in the top 10 in a field of 27 runners were: Gideon Hayter (second in 14:16), Jack VanHoorn (third in 14:17), Tate Bode (fourth in 14:19), Camden Snodsmith (fifth in 14:32), Hawke O’Malley (sixth in 14:40), Will Anderson (seventh in 14:42), Owen Mahannah (eighth in 14:50), Nolan Maples (ninth in 14:53) and Pearce Slocum (10th in 15:00).
On Saturday (Sept. 19), the Bulldogs competed against themselves at 13 Acres Park in what was billed as the Intrasquad Spectacular.
The top 10 runners in a field of 22 were: Ben Ohms (first in 15 minutes and 4 seconds), Corbin Phillips (second in 15:08), Tate Kimball (third in 15:26), Jackson Koontz (fourth in 15:47), Jesiah Hall-Harpst (fifth in 16:29), Isaac Biegler (sixth in 16:31), Seth Christensen (seventh in 17:!4), Joshua Craig (eighth in 17:19), Cash Bryan (ninth in 17:38) and Izaiah Brotherton (10th in 17:41).
