Sanderson cross country
Sanderson cross country runners Philip Hathaway (from left), Mitchell Feldman, Matt Schick and Ben Boyles (behind Schick) all finished in the Top 7 of last week's meet against Wakefield.
Spartans clash with Wolverines
in cross country
It is said there is strength in numbers, and as the Sanderson boys cross country team made the final turn toward the finish of last week's home meet against Wakefield, the Spartans looked plenty strong.
In a show of great camaraderie, the Spartans slowed their pace, waiting for their top seven runners to group together, and cross the finish line within three seconds of each other.
First, Ben Boyles crossed with a time of 18:10, then Matt Schick, Mitchell Feldman and Matt Geisz a second later, and soon thereafter Billy Fetzner, Andrew White and Philip Hathaway.
Wakefield's Blake Watkins broken up the string of Sanderson runners, finishing nine seconds later, with a time of 18:21.
But the damage was already done, and Sanderson cruised to a 17-76 victory.
According to Sanderson head coach Ashley Taylor, the boys' squad set out to run as a pack, and make the meet more of a tempo run.
"They are a good group, and they have been practicing well together all year," the coach said. "We told them to pack it in and run the meet together. We were happy with how they ran."
Wakefield head coach Wayne Dubnansky lauded Watkins' recent performances, stepping up to lead the Wolverines while Mitch Mallory was on the mend.
"Blake is a an all-around athlete, and just a natural runner," the coach explained. "He's very consistent. He never has an off day; never has an injury. You can count on him."
The Wolverines have battled several injuries through the early part of the schedule, losing Robby Snyder for most likely much of the season, and Mallory for the first few weeks.
Both were expected to be major contributors, though Mallory should be back soon. Dubnansky said George Stiak has put together a solid season, though he, too, suffered an injury last week.
Sanderson's Patrick Crawford (18:23) and Will Bennett (19:18), finished ninth and tenth, respectively.
In the girls' race, Sanderson sisters Samantha and Allison Cook captured the first two spots, powering the Lady Spartans to a 16-42 win.
Samantha Cook finished with a time of 21:34, and Allison Cook came in a second later.
According to Taylor, Allison Cook, after helping pace teammates, made a late push to close the gap, and take the runner-up spot.
Behind the Cook sisters, Maddie Divittorio (21:52) and Monica Litsas (21:11) placed third and fourth.
Wakefield's Devon Enderle captured fifth with a time of 22:22, and Sanderson freshman Anna Taylor (22:20) took sixth.
"I have been really happy with how Anna has come along, and she is someone I think will just get better and better," Taylor said.
Divittorio, a former cheerleader, has developed quickly into a solid contributor.
Wakefield's Michaela Birek (23:28), Ashley Damiano (23:28) and Kayla Engel (23:31) finished in seventh through ninth.
Sanderson returns to action at Athens Drive Wednesday, Sept. 9. The Wolverines host Millbrook the same day. Both meets begin at 6 p.m.
Wakefield has a new course this fall, running at the BW Wells State Recreation Area in north Raleigh.
Dubnansky called the new trail a "grueling course with several hills," and added it can "tack on an additional four minutes onto runs."
Wakefield and Sanderson's girls cross country teams break from the starting line during last week's meet at Sanderson.
Girls Top 8
1. Samantha Cook — SHS — 21:34
2. Allison Cook — SHS — 21:35
3. Maddie Divittorio — SHS — 21:51
4. Monica Litsas — SHS — 21:11
5. Devon Enderle — WHS — 22:22
6. Anna Taylor — SHS — 22:40
7. Michela Birek — WHS — 23:28
8. Ashley Damiano — WHS — 23:28
Boys Top 8
1. Ben Boyles — SHS — 18:10
2. Matt Schick — SHS — 18:11
3. Mitchell Feldman — SHS — 18:11
4. Matt Geisz — SHS — 18:11
5. Billy Fetzner — SHS — 18:12
6. Andrew White — SHS — 18:12
7. Philip Hathaway — SHS — 18:12
8. Blake Watkins — WHS — 18:21
