Track

Rainswept sweep

Sullivan West boys and girls top others in rainy dual meet; Seidl and Erlwein are individual leaders

By RICHARD A. ROSS

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — “Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postmen from their appointed rounds,” goes the popularized credo of the postal service. But the same might apply to cross-country runners who brave all elements on their sojourns. In fact, nothing short of lightning will halt these hardy harriers, the latest evidence of which was on display at a dual meet on October 9.

A late start and the threat of inclement weather led to the decision by Sullivan West, Eldred, Liberty and John S. Burke Catholic coaches to run the boys and girls together. Even then, the sky turned charcoal gray, the wind picked up and distant peals of thunder became ominously resonant as Sullivan West’s Colin Seidl (18:37) crossed the finish line for another victory this fall.

Seidl was followed by Matt Layman (19:07), Leland Peterman (20:05) and Russell Bryan (20:09) for the one-through-four sweep that helped the Bulldogs defeat the other three teams. Eldred nailed down the fifth and sixth places with Rob Snyder (20:10) and Brian Corcoran (20:17). James Hurley of Burke (20:36), Trevor Tate of Liberty (21:33), Mike Sheldon of Sullivan West (21:52) and Matt Pecorello of Burke (21:55) rounded out the top 10.

In the girls race, it was Rianne Erlwein (21:59) taking over the top spot for a missing Chelsie Schadt, who injured her toe earlier in the day. Eldred’s Gracie Babula (22:15) and Liberty’s Kim McKay (22:17) followed suit.

Sullivan West’s Stephanie Robison (24:23) took fourth. In fifth place was Sullivan West’s Kendra Barker (24:35). Rounding out the top 10 were Eldred’s Christine Donnelly (25:03), Annie Babula (25:40), Liberty’s Kristin Sarno (25:54), Eldred’s Kristina Brown (26:15) and Regina Davies (26:22).

On October 16, the division titles were on the line as Eldred and Tri-Valley went at it in Bear country and Sullivan West and Liberty vied for Division IV honors in Indian country.

Visit www.riverreportersports.com for complete results, an album of photos and the division meet results.