Varsity Highlights

Were one to describe ideal conditions for a race, factors would certainly include clear blue skies, moderate temperatures, and sunshine.  Such were conditions today for the Pioneer Men’s Cross Country team as they competed in the Nike Holly Invitational run.  The Pioneers captured the Division I title in a decisive win, with a team score of 34 points, followed by Catholic Central with 86 points and Plymouth with 120 points.

The boys went out FAST at the gun, and early on, there was a cluster of purple-slash singlets in the front of the pack.  One challenger from Lake Orion tried valiantly to stay with them, but dropped in the last 500m.  Some worried in the middle of the race about Catholic Central, the team that performed so well in Kensington.  Three of the CC men were 4, 5, 6 for a while, but by the time the race was over, five Pioneers crossed the line while only their third man had finished.

Out front, most of the way, Nick Kern exuded power, leadership, and drive.  Nathan Karr stayed right in the front pack, displaying speed, athleticism, and determination.  Adam Kern didn’t jack-rabbit out, but moved up gradually, displaying finesse, agility, and intelligence.  The men rounded the curve into the last 1000m, and disappeared from view.  At the finish, the spectators waited breathlessly to see the outcome.  Charging toward the finish were Nick and Nate, battling for the finish line, where Nathan’s surge brought him just a chest ahead of Nick.  Their time was 15:45, the fastest this course has seen in a while.  Adam came across third, just a few seconds behind his brother, at 15:50.  A valiant effort with an impressive result…what a finish!

There was also excitement with the 4-7 men for Pioneer.  Andy Sanz-Guerrero ran with focus and consistency, his long legs bringing him in to a 12th place finish at 16:31.  Sebastian Ag, so new to the sport of cross country running, brings raw talent and enthusiasm to the team.  Muhammad Sani ran cool, relaxed, and faster as each kilometer ticked by.  Muhammad overtook Sebastian in the middle of the race, and ended up 16th in 16:43.  Sebastian crossed in 16:59, in 24th place.  Kevin Chaperon, back in with the varsity ranks, ran a 17:54, to take 53rd.  Interviewing Kevin after the race, there was some gnashing of teeth and a Homer Simpson-like exclamation.  Don’t worry, Kevin, you’ll get this!  Congratulations for a brilliant race today, Pioneers!

Click here for MLive report on the 2009 Nike-Holly Invitational.