The OLH Cross Country Team ran our first cross country race on Sunday, September 12, 2009 at Camden County Park in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We competed against Guardian Angel’s and St. Mary’s. It was a hot day, near 90 degrees, and the course was very challenging with the long distance, many puddles and tough terrain.

All runners, regardless of age, ran the same distance, running 1.5 miles. It is also challenging because all of the boys run in one race, regardless of their age, and all girls (2nd to 8th grade) run in the same race.

We had many outstanding performances. We also has many personal achievements for our group, some of whom are new to running and new to long distance running. For many of the kids this was the first time they have ever raced 1.5 miles. For a few, it was their first race ever.

Brian Boligitz (6th grader) ran an outstanding race taking second place overall in the Boys race, sprinting to the finish line to make it a close race with the eventual winner. Brian won his division (Junior Division -5th and 6th graders).

Also participating and doing well were:

Boys
Michael DiGaetano 4th place Senior Division
Nicky Mahon 3rd place Cadet Division.

Girls
Morgan Cieslik-1st place Junior Division
Jeana Latshaw 3rd place Junior Division
Antonia Graziano 2nd place Cadet Division

Our Lady of Hope will compete again next Saturday at Gloucester County Community College.