Pre-Season Harrier
September 3, 2007 Edition - No.1
The Eagle Harrier
How High Will the Eagles Soar in ’07?
Veteran lineup looks strong.
Jordan, N.Y. – Another season of varsity cross country is upon us and this year’s J-E squad could be one of the best teams that J-E has fielded since 2004, and perhaps it could be even better than this. 2004 was the last league crown for J-E leading to a third-place finish in the sectionals. During the last two seasons, the Eagles have won only 50 % of their league meets and finished tenth in sectionals in 2006. Improving on this record would seem for the 2007 squad and inevitability, especially since it returns its top three runners, and 5 out of its top 7 scorers from 2006.
Two-time MVP, senior Jeff Donohue returns and anchors the squad with his relentless work ethic and a strong desire to improve. Donohue was an all-league runner in 2006, but finished a disappointing 23rd in sectionals. Jeff decided to focus 100 % on his running last year, so he quit the basketball team to run indoor track, and he likewise stopped playing baseball to run outdoor track. “I have the utmost respect in Jeff’s plan – by running all three seasons last year and putting in some decent summer mileage, Donohue is going to fly this season” said J-E coach Roman. “He’s put his time in; it’s no secret formula” added Roman. Running closely behind Donohue is fellow co-captain Donato Direnzo. Direnzo, also a senior, has been running non-stop for the last two years, doing the triple of cross country, indoor, and outdoor track. Direnzo was 51st (18.57) at Sectionals and has gotten his mile time down to 4.57 and his 800 to 2.10, both very respectable times. In addition, Direnzo attended the Aim High Running Camp for the 2nd straight year and has been running great so far in practices. “Between Jeff and Donato, they really push the pace for the younger guys” said Roman, “Donohue and Direnzo – the ‘Killer D’s’, will be kicking some butts and taking some names in 2007”.
Sophomore Mike Marerro, the 2006 squad’s third leading scorer returns and is quickly ready to improve upon his rookie campaign. Marerro also did a triple of cross country, indoor, and outdoor track last year and has worked extremely hard this summer to get into the best shape of his life. Marerro ran a very fast 3200 meter (2 mile) in outdoor ’06 (10.47), especially for a freshman. “Mike will be so much better than he was last year” said coach Roman, he’s filled out some and has put on a lot of muscle and works extremely hard at practice”.
Fellow sophomore Cody Stanton, the squad’s seventh leading scorer in 2006 has shown perhaps the most improvement in pre-season workouts. Stanton finished 68th at the 2006 cross country sectionals and is close to Donohue, Direnzo, and Marerro during practice runs. Stanton is best known for winning the Weedsport Invitational JV race in ’06. Stanton’s 5.11 mile for outdoor shows that he has some speed, and will be a great compliment for the Eagles’ top three runners.
The fifth man position is the final scoring spot, and is of crucial importance to this year’s Eagles. So far at practices it looks like this position could be secured by any of three or four competing runners. Most likely to be there was last season’s sixth-man, senior Jake Griffin. Griffin scored in 9 of the first 10 races in 2006 before getting worn down from the long cross country season. “Jake has the experience to do well for us in 2007” said coach Roman, “he’s had two years of varsity experience and nobody wants it more than Jake”, “he’ll kill himself for the team during races and I think he is a great role model for his teammates”.
Freshman Tom Poppe could find himself in the fifth position as he’s looked awfully strong so far at practices. Poppe came to the 2nd most summer workouts and is a multi-sport athlete as he plays both basketball and baseball. Poppe won four races in Jr. High Cross Country in 2006 and he may have the killer instinct to compete right away during this, his freshman season.
Junior George Brauchle will undoubtedly have a varsity position based upon early workouts, but whether he can become a score this season is yet to be seen. Brauchle did the triple in 2005 and 2006, and has run a 5.40 mile. “George has been pushing himself so hard and I’m excited to see him earn a varsity spot” said Roman, “he’s been talking about making varsity since he was a freshman”.
So how high will the Eagles soar in ’07? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain, they will be a markedly improved team from 2006. Will this improvement be enough to hurdle over Westhill, Bishop Ludden, Marcellus, and Skaneateles in league action? This would be a huge accomplishment, as all these squads are better on paper. How about sectionals, will J-E be able to run with the upper echelon teams such as Tully, Sauquoit, Canastota, Holland Patent, etc. in ’07? Tully, the defending state champ, is the overwhelming favorite to repeat and the rest of this list are forecast to be 2nd through 4th. On paper, J-E is the only 10th best returning squad. “The boys have done a great deal of prep for this season, and in my experience, the teams that put their time in, run all three seasons in school, and train in the summer do great; this team has done exactly as I’ve wished”. No wonder Mr. Roman has that silly grin on his face. Stay tuned.