It’s hard to believe, but the 2009 cross country season is upon us. The Godby Invite on Monday was a great kick-off to what promises to be an exciting next couple of months. Unfortunately, I was in Portland, so I did not get to witness the race firsthand, but I conducted a few very official interviews via text, and feel qualified to report on it just the same.

The overall boys’ title went to Maclay. Marauders Patrick Swain and Austin Stevens led the way, finishing first (17:26.42) and second (17:43.24) respectively. Maclay men 3 through 5 finished in a solid pack, consisting of Travis Covert (twelfth in 19:45.96), Dennis Keane (fifteenth in 20:09.53), and Matt Antworth (seventeenth in 20:15.29). The Lincoln boys took second place overall on this tough, hilly course. They were led by a down to the wire finish between teammates Jacob Slupecki (seventh in 19:06.09), and Alex Close (eighth in 19:07.44). Host team, Godby, took third place overall, led by Dieumy Duclos’s third place finish in 18:30.12.

On the girls’ side, the lady Marauders equaled their male teammates’ effort, taking the overall title. They were led by a first through third sweep, with Stefanie Kurgatt running 21:04.55, Kristin Sweeney running 21:18.80, and Lindsey Sanders running 23:20.61. Lincoln’s ladies also matched their boys, taking second place overall. They were led by Jennifer Zou’s sixth place finish in a time of 24:05.88. Florida High finished just eight points out of second, led by Allison Murray’s fourth place showing of 23:52.14.

With the first meet of the season in the books, area athletes now have a starting point for the season. Undoubtedly, kinder courses and cooler temperatures will make for some steep time improvements and even steeper competition as the State meet grows closer. Until that faithful day in November, the Big Bend’s finest will continue to make their marks both locally and throughout the state, in what promises to be one of the strongest cross country seasons this area has seen in quite some time.