The Wildcat distance runners competed in their first official race of the season at the Rochester Adams Invitational on Aug. 26. The top placers for the boys team were Adam Richmond, in third; Germ’n Guerrero, in sixth; and Kenny White, in 16th.
‘We have a very strong top three, and we are working on our four and five guys, which is going to make our team extremely strong,? said Coach Ray Sutherland.
The boys have their work cut out for them though this season. They must defend their eight consecutive league championships and maintain their consecutive seven-year undefeated record.
If you ask any of the captains, they will tell you, ‘We are not going let our legacy slide.?
Captain Germ’n Guerrero states, ‘We have an extremely knowledgeable pair of coaches (Sutherland and Assistant Coach Elmer Ball).?
The Wildcat Women also demonstrated their potential at the Rochester Adams Invite. The top placer for the day was Team Captain Lauren Crib, who finished 31st.
‘I was only one place away from a medal,? said Crib with disappointment. But she added that disappointment makes the girls work harder and become more motivated. She also stated ‘The girls team is shaping up great, and I’m real proud of all of them.?
Both cross country teams will compete on Sat., Sept. 11 at the Brother Rice Invitational.
Adam Richmond commented, ‘We are going to have great finishing kicks with all they hills we run now.? The hill he speaks of is Oxford hill right by the new high school. Even though some things are new, the Oxford Cross Country Team will keep an old tradition the same ? winning.
Germ’n, 18, is a senior at Oxford High School. He is team captain for Cross Country and Track, and Sports Editor for the OHS yearbook. He plans to attend college where he will study either physical therapy or sports medicine, and continue his distance running.