MSJHS boys’ cross country finishes third at Dunlap
By Fred Kroner
The top four Mahomet-Seymour runners in the varsity division of the Dunlap Invitational on Friday (Sept. 22) at Detweiller Park, in Peoria, crossed the finish line within 51.9 seconds of one another in the 2.1-mile race.
Adam Smigielski was the Bulldog leader, placing seventh and covering the course in 11 minutes, 47.1 seconds.
Other team leaders were Noah Crane (15th in 11:57.7), Caleb Zulauf (27th in 12:14.6) and Liam Burwell (49th in 12:39.0).
M-S’ remaining entries in the varsity race were Grant Morphew (76th in 12:59.6), Abdel Abdo (96th in 13:10.3) and Elijah Beyer (104th in 13:15.7).
There were 300 participants in the varsity race.
In the team chase, Chatham Glenwood took top honors with 103 points. M-S was third with 173 points.
“As we have seen all season, Adam Smigielski led our group of runners off of the starting line and didn’t look back,” Bulldog coach Lisa Martin said. “He has been a consistent leader on the team. Noah Crane found himself earning a varsity medal as well, pushing hard to close the gap between him and Adam.
“Caleb Zulauf, a standout seventh-grader, has been getting stronger all season and today was no exception. Liam Burwell pulled out a strong second mile after navigating the crowded start. It was great to see Grant Morphew back in scoring position for the team. His confidence continues to grow and that will pay off as we head into the final stretch of the season.
“Abdel Abdo and Elijah Beyer rounded out our solid varsity boys’ team. This was a true team effort.”
In the boys’ open race, the first seven Bulldog placers completed the course within 55 seconds of one another.
Setting the pace was Henry Welch (sixth in 12:59.2).
Trailing him were Kiptyn Fan (14th in 13:15.8), Graham Smolich (16th in 13:20.0), Will Bednar (19th in 13:21.6), Gavin Vanskike (22nd in 13:25.1), Greyson Grotelueschen (35th in 13:40.6), Hunter Shingleton (44th in 13:54.2), Jake McCoy (65th in 14:11.7) and Garen Johnson-Farkhoyan (84th in 14:23.5).
Overall, there were 541 runners in the race.
Team honors were won by Dunlap with 27 points. M-S finished second with 77 points.
“This group ran well,” Martin said. “Henry Welch led the Bulldogs by placing sixth and running a season-best time.
“It was great to see his confidence as he navigated the course. His teammates benefited from his leadership. All of our runners finished in the top 90. Great day for sure. Definitely a bonus that we were able to bring so many young runners with us to run this race.”
The Bulldogs return to action on Saturday (Sept. 30) in the Monticello Invitational at Lodge Park.
