A training group is people, but a team is an idea. Its heart is a vision; it’s connective tissue is commitment to that vision. The goal for any program is to communicate that idea with a clarity and sincerity that no matter who races, the performance will look the same, even if the results are wildly different.
That’s why we are so proud of our race at the 2016 Charger Classic Invitational. Like last year, we gave some of our JV runners a chance to mix things up in a varsity tilt. The competition was formidable-- programs like Oswego East are clearly building a strong identity, and Normal University High’s pack executed their race plan as though they had trained together for a decade. Our runners were tasked with representing our idea amidst a talented field and an unfamiliar race.
That’s why we are so proud of our race at the 2016 Charger Classic Invitational. Like last year, we gave some of our JV runners a chance to mix things up in a varsity tilt. The competition was formidable-- programs like Oswego East are clearly building a strong identity, and Normal University High’s pack executed their race plan as though they had trained together for a decade. Our runners were tasked with representing our idea amidst a talented field and an unfamiliar race.
To a man, they executed. In some ways, it was our most complete varsity race of the season. Matt “Mongoose” Milostan (4th; 14:42) led the way with a smart, cagey race, improving on his time last year by over 30 seconds. He was trailed by junior Ryan Kennedy (11th; 15:04), whose toughness and tenacity were fully activated. Fan-favorite Jeremy Hayhurst (15th; 15:09) showed remarkable poise and doggedness for the third straight race, and juniors Tyler Bombacino (21st, 15:24) and Alex Johnson (26th, 15:31) flew into the chute quickly enough to seal a 2nd place finish.
Our next five runners likewise honored our team’s idea. Junior Evan McVittie (64th; 16:09) reflected hard work, while classmate Keanan Ginell (70th; 16:14) embodied toughness. Senior Erik Huenecke (72nd; 16:21) represented heart, while junior Dakota Getty (75th, 16:23) showed discipline and intelligent pacing. And senior Isaiah Robinson (77th, 16:24)-- a star in another sport-- personified steely competitiveness.
Our next five runners likewise honored our team’s idea. Junior Evan McVittie (64th; 16:09) reflected hard work, while classmate Keanan Ginell (70th; 16:14) embodied toughness. Senior Erik Huenecke (72nd; 16:21) represented heart, while junior Dakota Getty (75th, 16:23) showed discipline and intelligent pacing. And senior Isaiah Robinson (77th, 16:24)-- a star in another sport-- personified steely competitiveness.
Programs rise and fall; there have been seasons where we’ve been elite, and there are seasons where we’ve been middle or back of the pack. But as long as the idea of our team remains fixed, we will be proud. In Saturday’s race, each guy carried that idea across the line. It’s a great reminder that no matter where you sit on the depth chart-- from battle-hardened senior to tender-footed freshman-- you have a responsibility to the intangible, imperishable belief that is NVXC.
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