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December 19, 2009 Annual Christmas Alumni Run

 Alumni Run 2009 Recap
This year’s Jesuit High Alumni run took place under ideal running conditions on the Jesuit High School campus.  The field of 42 runners featured alumni from both St. Francis and Jesuit along with several parents and children of Jesuit alums.  

The race was started by USATF official Tom McGuire  and video footage of the event recorded by legendary coach Walt Lange. As has become the custom at this event, the first loop of the 2.5 mile course was a ‘spirited’  competition featuring much conversation among eight runners comprising the lead pack with a line of runners in tow.  

The race up front began at the 1.5 mile mark as the runners headed down the hill to begin the lower field loop.  At that point, Evan Watchempino (‘07), Austin Ramos (‘03), and Alex Nelson (‘05) picked up the pace and separated from the rest of the pack.  Just after 2 miles Watchempino and Ramos made another move, creating room between themselves and Nelson.  Ramos made a decisive surge up the final hill and finished strong over the last 400 to take the title and the coveted gold jersey in a time of 12:41, with Watchempino 5 seconds behind in second and Nelson finishing in third.   

Scott Abbott (‘96) looked impressive finishing 9th overall for the ‘90s decade title.  The ‘80s champion was Mike Parrott (‘87),  the ‘70s champion was Josh Kelly-Strong (alumni parent and 76 high school grad, and Rich Balestreri (Jesuit '70), and the ‘60s champ was Gardie DeBack ('68).

On the ladies side, Kristin Csicsery (SFHS ‘09) took the title with decade winners Carrie Harcharik (90's), Anne Sadler (80's) rounding out the list of winners. Kids winners were Chad Estipular and Amber Hartigan.

After the race, competitors gathered in the Little Theatre for food, drink, and conversation.  Once the race results had been finalized following video review and certification, the awards were presented and photos taken to be transmitted throughout the running world.  

JHS alum Paul Verke headed an extensive list of volunteers who assisted with course set-up and monitoring.   Race organizers hope to see everyone back next year and ask that you get the word out to other alums you may know regarding this event. 

1. Austin Ramos 03 12:41
2. Evan Watchempino 07 12:48
3. Alex Nelson 05 13:00
4. Kyle Lackner 08 13:10
5. Scott Donahue 07 13:11
6. Jake Kelly-Strong 06 13:24
7. Samir Benouar 06 13:27
8. Willie Diaz 09 13:39
9. Scott Abbott 06 13:45
10. Joe Krtil 07 14:07

11. Robert Leon 09 14:27
12. Mike Parrott 87 14:56
13. Alex McIntosh 06 15:21
14. Andy McIntosh 95 15:25
15. Josh Kelly-Strong 76 16:25
16. Paul Verke 83 16:42
17. Nick Csicsery 09 17:07
18. Kristin Csicsery 09 17:30
19. Matt Rinca 97 17:49
20. Jim Krtil 17:54

21. Rich Balestreri 70 18:00
22. Mike Hartigan 74 18:06
23. Greg Shirey 03 St. Xavier Cincinatti 18:49
24. Gardie DeBack 68 19:00
25. Chad Estipular alumni son 19:54
26. Tony Estipular 80 19:56
27. Garen Horst 84 20:01
28. Alex Hartigan alumni son 20:25
29. Elizabeth Shirey SIHS 06 21:54
30. Aaron Hartigan alumni son 22:22

31. John McIntosh 60 22:43
32. Anne Sadler StF 80 22:54
33. Carrie Harcharik StF 97 22:54
34. Todd Stone 75 23:07
35. Will Diaz 77 24:32
36. Lori Estipular 80 spouse 25:00
37. Katie Benouar 06 mom 25:28
38. Melinda Eppler StF 82 25:31
39. Amber Hartigan alumni daughter 11 yrs 27:50
40. Linda Hartigan alumni spouse 27:50
41. Andrew Dimal 02 31:36
42. Cherie Atwood StF 85 31:36