....HOME..........Jesuit Cross Country / Track & Field | |
December 19, 2009 Annual Christmas Alumni Run |
|
Alumni Run 2009 Recap 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). 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 11. Robert Leon 09 14:27 21. Rich Balestreri 70 18:00 31. John McIntosh 60 22:43 |