Season Ending Thoughts

The official cross country season has come to an end for SJA and all of Ohio.  There are a few all-star meets and post-season national qualifiers still to be run, but the majority of us have put the 2012 season to rest.  This past fall was a busy one and one that showed moments of great promise.  Old traditions like the canoe run and camp, newer traditions like senior night, and brand new traditions like the Columbus overnight all helped to strengthen the team's unity while the team enjoyed its largest size ever of 51 runners.  On the running front, the Jaguars were not expected to be very competitive after graduating the biggest  class on record (and arguably the most talented).  However this was not the case as the emergence of senior Emily Bauer and Junior Alesha Vovk were two critical components that provided stability at the front.  Both runners were approaching the 20 minute barrier as well as the top 20 all-time list, with Emily having a slight edge and earning team MVP honors.  Combine that with the return of senior Mel Ward, the efforts of junior Rachel McGuire, the clutch performances of sophomore Mallory Fahey, and the establishment of senior twins Jill and Jessica Bresnahan and you have the core group of a consistent varsity squad.
The varsity team did place well at a couple of early invitationals including starting the year with a 2nd place run at the Early Bird followed by a win at Westerville North.  As the meets got bigger SJA's weaknesses were exposed preventing them from challenging for the win at meets like Tiffin, but throughout the year the 2nd 7 (JV squad) performed well often winning each weekend.   There were a lot of contributors to this group including; seniors Helen Steve, Bridget Egan, and Libby Pipak, juniors Maddie Zimmerman, Maeve Kroeger, and Molly Moore, sophomores, Clare Fibbi, Audrianna Farris, and Lauren Marconi, and freshmen Bridget McGuire, Emma Stalder, Katie Butterfield, and Rachel Cogar.
There is a lot of work to do in the off-season for next track season as well as next fall, so hopefully the team takes their running seriously through the winter months.  Quality miles need to be logged, tough days through the snow need to be endured, and an occasional 20 degree run has to be suffered.  It is only through that kind of commitment will improvements be made and steps taken to defeat our opponents because you can be assured those programs are doing the same thing.  Most importantly, and it is something we have tried to press for years, is the further establishment of a real team culture.  The girls all have to believe in each other, the program, the tradition, and all the other parts in order for us to come together and rise up to the next level.
It was overall a very successful year in many regards and I am always thankful for my time with the team, for their support, and for the gifts they gave at the end of the season banquet.  Go Jaguars!

Sweatshirts Galore at last JV meet

The season ended for the JV cross country team at the Walsh Warrior classic, in which runners are split up by age groups.  While no team scores were kept, individuals were awarded sweatshirts if they finished top 25 in their grade level.  A majority of the SJA runners earned a sweatshirt for their efforts.  The top SJA finisher in the freshman/sophomore race was freshman Rachel Cogar, who was 2nd in her race after having led for much of the way.  In the junior/senior race, senior Helen Steve competed for the lead for much of the time, but settled for a 3rd place finish.  In all, 3 PR's were set by Tori Roberts, Corinne Baker, and Julia Kemer.

Workouts for the week of Oct 22

Two things to note:
1.  Uniform turn in day is Friday, during either activity block.  Fill in the post-season evaluation during this time.
2.  The fall sports banquet is Tuesday, November 6th (does this date ring a bell???).  Social hour is at 6:30, dinner at 7:00pm.

Monday, October 22 – meet at Walsh (JV)

          2:00pm – bus leaves SJA

          Varsity (all 7 from districts and Coach Kieser) – stop at towpath to run 5 miles.

          JV to Walsh

          3:10 – frosh/soph warm-up

          4:00 – frosh/soph race (top 25 each grade gets a sweatshirt)

          4:10 – junior/senior warm-up

          5:00 – junior/senior race

Alesha practice with whoever wants to show up with her the rest of the week.

Tuesday, October 23 –

          Easy 4 miles at mastick with striders, abs, and stretch

Wednesday, October 24 – workout at location to be determined

Thursday, October 25 – at SJA – light jog, stretch

Friday, October 26 – light run at location TBD. 

Saturday, October 27 – Regionals at Tiffin (race at 3:00pm – last race of day)

          11:45 – van/car leaves SJA

          2:10 – begin warm-up

Sunday, October 28 – nothing planned

Alesha Vovk qualifies to regionals!

In Saturday's District meet at Strongsville High School, the varsity cross country team's season ended with a 6th place finish of 13 teams.  Finishing as SJA's top runner and qualifying for the Tiffin Regional meet next Saturday was junior Alesha Vovk, who finished 15th place overall in the race.  At 2 miles, Alesha was 17th place, but only the top 16 qualify to the next round.  Vovk ran the last mile tough and actually moved up to 14th place at one point only to be clipped at the line by an opponent.  Sophomore Mallory Fahey finished 2nd for the Jags and 25th overall - her best effort of the season.  The rest of the competitors for SJA were; senior Jill Bresnahan 29th, junior Rachel McGuire 30th, senior Mel Ward 41st, junior Maddie Zimmerman 42nd, and senior Jessica Bresnahan 43rd.

Spotlight on seniors

On Wednesday, October 17th, the SJA cross country team hosted its second annual Senior Night, which featured a race between the JV teams of St. Joes and Mentor on the girls side as well as a match up between the boys teams from St. Ignatius and Mentor.  In all, 18 seniors were recognized in a ceremony at South Mastick Park including the introductions of 4 seniors who competed all 4 years for the Jaguars; Emily Bauer, Jessica Bresnahan, Jill Bresnahan, and Regina Russo.
On the competition side of things, the SJA women dominated the meet with a score of 23-36.  Leading the way with a big PR was junior Maddie Zimmerman, who won the race by over a minute.  Following Zimmerman to the line to help with the win were; senior Helen Steve, sophomore Lauren Marconi, freshman Bridget McGuire, freshman Katie Butterfied, sophomore Clare Fibbi, and freshman Emma Stalder.

Monday, Oct 15 – at Mastick 3:35-5:15…We will do a workout on the senior night course as long as its not too wet.

Tuesday, Oct 15 – at Mastick 3:35-5:00…final meet clean up and mileage for varsity

Wednesday, Oct 16 – Senior Night meet at mastick

Boys start 5:00pm – Ignatius JV v. Mentor JV

Senior introductions 5:25 in the pavilion

Girls start 5:40pm – SJA JV v. Mentor JV

Full team running except varsity and Lenehan

Thursday, Oct 17 – at SJA….done by 5:10

Friday, Oct 18 – at SJA (unless we can get a chance to run on Strongville’s course to view it…will let you know).

Saturday, Oct 19 – Districts at Strongsville High School.

Noon – gather at SJA for snacks and movie

2:15 – bus leaves for District meet

4:10 – varsity Div I race (3:20 start wup)

Sunday, Oct 20 – SJA open house.  If any athlete wants to volunteer to work the cross country/track table let me know.  I’ll find out if you get volunteer hours for that.

Monday, Oct 21 – JV run at Walsh Jesuit High School for final JV meet.  Times to be announced later.  There are 2 races – frosh and soph run together then juniors and seniors run together

Massillon Meet gets team ready for post-season

The SJA cross country team did their last full team invitational this past Saturday at Massillon.  Even though SJA held back the varsity to help pace the JV runners and split full squad into 3 even teams victory was still achieved.  Officially the SJA "white" team consisting of scorers Helen Steve (sr), Rachel Cogar (fr), Mel Ward (sr), Rachel McGuire (jr), and Emma Stalder (fr).  The top finisher for SJA overall was sophomore Maddie Zimmerman (jr) who was 4th in the race.

This Wednesday SJA hosts their annual Senior Night at South Mastick Park in the Rocky River Reservation against Mentor.  St. Ignatius will be racing against Mentor on the boy's side.

Next Saturday the varsity enters the post-season when they compete at the District Meet at Strongsville High School.

Workouts and schedule for week of Oct 15

Monday, Oct 15 – at Mastick 3:35-5:15…We will do a workout on the senior night course as long as its not too wet.

Tuesday, Oct 15 – at Mastick 3:35-5:00…final meet clean up and mileage for varsity

Wednesday, Oct 16 – Senior Night meet at mastick

Boys start 5:00pm – Ignatius JV v. Mentor JV

Senior introductions 5:25 in the pavilion

Girls start 5:40pm – SJA JV v. Mentor JV

Full team running except varsity and Lenehan

Thursday, Oct 17 – at SJA….done by 5:10

Friday, Oct 18 – at SJA (unless we can get a chance to run on Strongville’s course to view it…will let you know).

Saturday, Oct 19 – Districts at Strongsville High School.

Noon – gather at SJA for snacks and movie

2:15 – bus leaves for District meet

4:10 – varsity Div I race (3:20 start wup)

Sunday, Oct 20 – SJA open house.  If any athlete wants to volunteer to work the cross country/track table let me know.  I’ll find out if you get volunteer hours for that.

Monday, Oct 21 – JV run at Walsh Jesuit High School for final JV meet.  Times to be announced later.  There are 2 races – frosh and soph run together then juniors and seniors run together

SJA 6th at Legends Invitational

The cross country teams traveled to the Trumbull County Fairgrounds last weekend to compete in a flat, but muddy competition called the Legends Invitational in which "legends" of running from the Northeast Ohio area are honored and can mingle with the athletes.  This year's legends were Marc Hunter and Jenny Morgan.
The varsity team finished 6th out of 13 teams and a varsity "B" team was 9th in the same race.  Two of the teams ahead of SJA were last year's division champs Brunswick and the best team in the state this year St. Vincent/St. Mary's.  Senior Emily Bauer returned to her early season form with perhaps her best race ever finish 14th place.  The other top 4 scoring runners were Alesha Vovk (jr), Jill Bresnahan (sr), Rachel McGuire (jr), and Jessica Bresnahan (sr).
The JV lost a close battle to Brunswick, but in reality it was Brunswick's B team vs. SJA's C team.  Freshman Emma Stalder was the top SJA finisher in the open race with her 4th place effort.
The team has one more weekend invitational next Saturday at Massillon's Ohio Independent championship.

Week of October 8

Monday, October 8 – South Mastick, 3:40-5:15…AT run

Tuesday, October 9 – SJA, 3:30-5:10…mileage, lifting, stretching

Wednesday, October 10 – NORTH Mastick…this is an old parking lot with a NEW Pavillion 1 minute north of South Mastick’s lot.  Repeat 500’s

Thursday, October 11 – SJA – cross train day – done by 5:10

Friday, October 12 – no school…practice at South Mastick 3:30-5:00

Saturday, October 13 – Meet in Massillon (Ohio Independent Schools Champs).  We’re split into 3 “even” teams.  Varsity’s job is to pace JV.

Sunday, October 14 – no workout planned

Adjustment to this Week's plan

There will be a change to Thursday and Friday of this week. Thursday - there will be no scheduled practice. You may jog, lift, or stretch on your own as needed. It is Paws for Pride day, so the football game and bonfire will be going on. Feel free to watch these, but please do NOT participate! Friday - practice will take place at Mastick from 3:30-5:00pm. This is a change from the location being at SJA. Also, this week's itinerary has already been linked under the page heading titled "results and itineraries". I apologize for the formatting...Google has lost its mind I guess.

Workouts for week of October 1, 2012

Monday, October 1st – practice at SJA 3:30-5:30. Begin with meeting in 331 then workout on track. Some quicker stuff to stimulate the muscles a little. Tuesday, October 2nd – practice at Mastick 3:35-5:15. A regular mileage day. Wednesday, October 3rd – practice at Mastick 3:35-5:15. Mileage with a fast last mile. Thursday, October 4th – cross train day – 3:30-5:00 Friday, October 5th – practice at SJA to begin with (runners may choose to go to Mastick after team meeting for a soft surface). Goal setting in 331, then practice, then team dinner. Saturday, October 6th – Meet at Trumbull County Fairgrounds (about 1 ½ hour drive) Bus leaves – 9:45am Varsity – 1:00pm Open – 2:10pm Bus returns to SJA – 5:00-5:15pm (estimate) Sunday, October 7th – no planned workout

Vovk and JV shine at Gilmour

For Junior Alesha Vovk, everything was right at the Gilmour Invitational last Friday. Vovk finished as SJA's top runner for the first time in her career and dropped her best time ever with a 20:20 for 5k. The team did not fair as well finishing 6th out of 15 teams. The reserve team showed off their depth again by winning the JV race over Bay, who had beaten them two weeks previously. Sophomore Lauren Marconi made a strong run for the win, but lost on a sprint at the finish line. Regardless Lauren finished with her best time ever of 21:48. Senior Helen Steve (5th), freshman Bridget McGuire (7th), sophomore Clare Fibbi (8th) and junior Maeve Kroeger (9th) rounded out the scoring for the win. Both Fibbi and Kroeger stepped up well to overcome sophomore Audrianna Farris, who sprained her ankle while running in the top 5 halfway through the race. In total, 16 Jaguars ran all-time personal bests. McGuire was voted team Athlete of the Meet for her effort. She lost a shoe one half mile into the race, but finished the race without the shoe and with a big personal best time. The Jags race next at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds for the Legends Invitational on October 6th.

Week of Monday, September 24

Monday, September 24 – practice at Mastick – 3:35-5:10 mileage day, then sprints, push-ups, sit-ups Tuesday, September 25 – intervals at Memorial field (likely 1000’s), 3:30-5:20 Wednesday, September 26 – practice at mastick – more mileage – 3:35-5:10…abs and stretch when done Thursday, September 27 – practice at SJA – to 5:15…team dinner???? Friday, September 28 – meet at Gilmour. More information to follow. Saturday, September 29 – captain’s practice at Mastick. Longer run. Sunday, September 30 – no planned run

SJA CC slowed down at All-Catholic

The SJA cross country team went to Dayton for the annual Midwest All-Catholic meet hosted by Dayton Carroll High School. The competition was fierce as evidenced by the Jaguars 9th place finish of 13 teams. Some personal bests were recorded, but as a team the Jags did not have their best day at the varsity level. Four runners in particular ran exceptionally well for the Jaguars led by junior Alesha Vovk who experienced her first race as SJA's top runner. Her time of 20:43 was just off her best ever and just a second ahead of classmate Rachel McGuire, but senior Jill Bresnahan ran 20:59 breaking the 21 minute barrier for the first time ever and finishing as SJA's 3rd runner - her best ever finish as a Jag. Also stepping up big was junior Maddie Zimmerman who ran varsity for the first time this year and lived up to the promotion by finishing as the 5th scorer in a PR of 21:12. In the reserve race, SJA's black uniforms dominated the front of the pack with 4 girls in the top 7 to take the team title over Cincinnati Seton. Those 4 girls were Maeve Kroger (jr), Lauren Marconi (so), Helen Steve (sr), and Audrianna Farris (so). Freshman Rachel Cogar, junior Molly Moore and sophomore Clare Fibbi all finished in the top 15 to round out the reserve team's scoring. Jill Bresnahan, competing in her 4th year on the team, was voted the team's most valuable athlete of the meet for her great time and high finish on the varsity squad. The team next competes at the Gilmour Invitational on Friday, September 28.

SJA Wins Open Door Invitational!

The cross country team split their squad on Tuesday the 19th, allowing some runners who are typically JV to run as a varsity squad at the Open Door Invitational. Despite continuous rain all day, the skies cleared enough and the course stayed in exceptional shape to watch the Jaguars win this mid-week invite. The varsity team of Rachel Cogar ('16), Lauren Marconi ('15), Maeve Kroeger ('14), Bridget McGuire ('16), Clare Fibbi ('15), Molly Moore ('14), and Sara Hurley ('14) all took spots in the top 15 overall. Both Cogar and Fibbi ran personal bests to help the team to victory.

In the open race, the majority of runners toward the front were Jaguars, led by freshman Katie Butterfield who won the race with a PR of 22:50. Fellow frosh Emma Stalder ran for 2nd place, and senior newcomer Libby Pipak was 3rd. The team continued to take the top 10 spots in the open race. For her efforts not just in this race, but for over-coming a freshman season filled with knee pain Clare Fibbi was voted team athlete of the meet. Congrats Clare!

Workouts for Week of Sept 17

Week of Monday, September 17, 2012
This week we split the squad a little. “Top 10” refers to the varsity 7 plus Steve, Zim, and Farris.
Egan – you can pick and choose your spots.
Baker, Lenehan – stay at SJA Monday for cross training and to see the trainer.

Monday, September 16 – practice at Mastick. Varsity done at 5:20, rest of team by 5:10
Varsity (top 10) – long run day
Rest of team – medium long run day

Tuesday, September 17 – meet at Open Door for all but top 10. See Schedule below.
Top 10 – lift and run at SJA
Schedule
3:30 – bus leaves SJA
4:00 – Coaches Meeting
5:30 – varsity girls (Cogar, Fibbi, Hurley, Kroeger, Marconi, McGuire, Moore)
6:15 – open race (boys and girls together – woah!)
7:15 – leave for home
8:00 – estimated return time to SJA

Wednesday, September 18 – practice at Memorial Field. 3:35-5:20
Top 10 full workout – 1200, 3 x 800, 5 x 400
Rest of team – 5 x 400

Thursday, September 19 – practice at SJA. Done by 5:15

Friday, September 19 – trip to Dayton
11:45 – take stuff to Arcade
12:00 – bus leaves for Dayton
4:30 – arrive at course, complete pre-meet workout
6:00 – go to pasta dinner at the course (please bring $5 for this)
7:30 – go to hotel (Baymont Inn, Fairborn)
Team meeting then sleep (NO hair-dying!!!)

Saturday, September 20 – meet day!!!
8:15 – bus leaves for meet
10:00am – varsity (Bauer, Vovk, Ward, R. McGuire, Fahey, Jill, Jess, Zim, Steve)
11:30am – reserve women (the rest)
1:00pm – leave for Cleveand
5:00pm – ETA return to SJA

Another Strong Day for SJA's Cross Country Team

SJA stayed closer to home this weekend participating in the McDonough Invitational in Cleveland Hts. The Jags had yet another strong day across the board as they finished 4th out of 19 teams in the varsity race, 2nd out of 8 teams in the JV race, and 3rd out of 16 teams in the open race.

In the varsity, the team used a strategy of sitting back for the first mile then moving up as the race progressed. This plan worked well as all 7 girls moved up in place the last 2 miles. Emily Bauer thrived the best moving up from 47th place to 12th by the time she finished. As she has the past 2 weeks, Alesha Vovk came across next with Mel Ward, Rachel McGuire, and Mallory Fahey close behind. Jill and Jess Bresnahan came across not much later to round at the varsity placers.

The JV team ran short-handed as a key runner had to stay home sick. Nonetheless the Jags battled hard for their 2nd place finish with junior Maddie Zimmerman finish as top Jaguar and 4th overall in the race. Rachel Cogar, Maeve Kroeger, Lauren Marconi, and Molly Moore were the other scorers for the team.

In the open, senior Helen Steve led early and held on for a 4th place finish. Running her best race of the year was freshman Katie Butterfield who finished 11th overall. Emma Stalder, Libby Pipak, and Sara Hurley were the next 3 finishers for SJA that contributed to the team score.

For her breakout race in the open competition, the team voted Katie Butterfield the team’s athlete of the meet. She ran a minute faster than her best time ever.

The team travels to Dayton next week for the annual All-Catholic Invitational.

Week of Monday, September 10

Athletes – please continue to log your miles online! I need that information to help keep track of what you’re doing and where you should be.

Get into a proper sleeping and eating habit now that school has started. Do NOT get pizza every day at lunch. They serve GREAT salads and fruit as well as pizza and other entrees.

Monday, September 10th – practice at Mastick 3:35-5:15. AT run…should go by quickly.

Tuesday, September 11th – practice at SJA – 3:20-5:00. Mileage, lifting, etc…

Wednesday, September 12th – practice at Mastick 3:35-5:20. Time Trial #2…be ready!

Thursday, September 13th – practice at SJA – 3:20-5:17 (unless you’re an ice bucket kid then later).

Friday, September 14th – pre-meet day at SJA. 3:20-5:10. Team dinner at Zimmerman household. Address/directions to be provided this week. All parents and athletes invited!!!

Saturday, September 15th – meet at Forest Hills Park.
Tentative line-up and schedule
9:20 – bus leaves SJA
11:15 – girls JV (no seniors) – Kroeger, Zimmerman, Farris, Marconi, Cogar, B. McGuire, Moore
12:25 – girls open – all not in JV or varsity
1:35 – girls varsity – Bauer, Vovk, McGuire, Ward, Jill Bres, Jess Bres, Fahey

Sunday, September 16th – Heroe’s run volunteer/service hours. If available, we have for many years helped put this 5 mile road race on at SJA. You will get a long sleeve t-shirt, get service hours, and help Coach Kieser smuggle any leftover water and Gatorade for team use the rest of the season. Times to be provided later, but be prepared for an early start. NOT mandatory, but they are counting on getting 25 or so people from us (half the team).

Fast times, faster competition at Tiffin

The cross country team competed Saturday at one of the largest invitationals in the whole country in Tiffin, OH. Despite raining for the previous day, the course was fairly dry in the afternoon and the entire field, including the Jags with their 27 PR's (personal records), took advantage by running fast times. Just as impressive for SJA was all 51 girls on the team started the race, making this the single largest day of participation in the program's history.
In the biggest/fastest division of the day, SJA was 18th place out of 33 teams. While hoping for a higher place, the team still earned many PR's, including senior Emily Bauer's time of 20:17, which ranks her #24 on SJA's all-time list. Once again Alesha Vovk ran a very solid race to be the second Jaguar in 20:41 (PR) followed by Rachel McGuire (20:54), Mel Ward (PR 21:07), Jill Bresnahan (PR 21:10), Jess Bresnahan (PR 21:25), and Mallory Fahey (21:54).
The "B" team, running in the second biggest race against many "A" teams, earned 8th place out of 27 teams. As she did last week, senior Helen Steve led the way for this group in a time of 22:02. A tight group of Bridget Egan, Maddie Zimmerman, and Audrianna Farris (PR) came in at 22:10, 22:10, and 22:13 respectively and rounding out the top 5 for the B team was freshman Rachel Cogar with a big PR of 22:29.
The open race had its share of great performances, but none faster than newcomer and junior Maeve Kroeger who was the top finisher in the race for SJA in a blazing time of 22:03. The next 4 runners to cross, Lauren Marconi, Clare Fibbi, Libby Pipak, and Emma Stalder, all contributed to the open team's 11th place finish of 30 teams (and 530 runners!).
Senior Melyssa Jackson was voted "Jaguar of the Meet" for her big 1 minute PR. Melyssa ran a time of 23:54.
The Jags stay closer to home next week as they participate in the McDonough Invitational hosted by VASJ at Forest Hills Park in Cleveland Hts next Saturday.

This week's workouts Sept 3

Hi all...

We're all still working on doing a better job of hydrating. Remember, its not a "day-of" thing, its a season-long thing. Water AND electrolytes (G2, Powerade Zero, etc...). Plain water can actually work against you if you over do it.

School begins!!! Get onto an appropriate sleep schedule, which means homework becomes a priority BEFORE TV, Facebook, Twitter, and every other social thing. In your life I am hoping the following is the order by which you set your priorities: Family, Religion, School, Athletics, Friends.

Speaking of Twitter - follow us @SJAtrackcc

Lastly, since school has begun and we will be traveling a little bit, please have a permanent ride/car to places like Mastick after school. This worked well last year. We will try to get this set at Tuesday's practice, but if you can lock yourself into the same ride every practice it makes things safer, easier, and less dramatic.

Monday (Labor Day) September 3 - practice at Mastick. 9-10:45am. Long run.

Tuesday, September 4 - practice at SJA - 3:20-5:15

Wednesday, September 5 - practice at Mastick - 3:30-5:20

Thursday, September 6 - practice at SJA - typical cross train 3:30-5:17

Friday, September 7 - practice at SJA - TEAM PICTURES (forms to be passed out earlier in the week - you need your uniforms NOT sweats) Our picture time is 3:30, so get ready fast!!! practice ends 5:30. Team dinner at Bresnahans after that.

Saturday, September 8 - meet at Tiffin Carnival. This is a BIG meet - one of the biggest in the nation. Our bus will leave at noon as we have late afternoon races.

Sunday, September 9 - nothing planned

Another close defeat - or was it? SJA wins after review!

Trying their hands, er feet, at a new meet the Jags arrived at Westerville North's classic not knowing what to expect, and left there the same way. Scores weren't announced for hours due to timing difficulties, but when they were the results originally had SJA finished second by one point. However as of Sunday morning the message was sent that SJA in fact WON THE MEET!

Top scores: SJA 56 points, Westerville North 62, Gahanna Lincoln 72, Pickerington North 78.

Saint Joseph saw senior Emily Bauer lead the way with an 8th place PR of 20:41. Just behind her was junior Alesha Vovk in 20:47 and finishing 3rd for the Jags was Rachel McGuire in 20:54. The rest of the top 7 were Mel Ward (21:23), Jill Bresnahan (21:26), Mallory Fahey (21:57), and Jessica Bresnahan (22:02).

In the open race is was clear the Jaguars were the class of the field finishing with 6 girls in the top 11 places. Senior Helen Steve was first overall in 22:18. Bridget Egan was 2nd, Audrianna Farris 5th, Molly Moore 8th, Bridget McGuire 10th, and Rachel Cogar 11th.
Helen Steve was voted MVP of the meet for the Jags, but many were nominated including; Alesha Vovk, Becca Sedlak, Sami Taylor, Mel Ward, and Katie Waters,

The Jags compete at the Tiffin Carnival next Saturday.

See pictures of the meet under the "pictures 2012" link

Follow us on Twitter!

@SJAtrackcc

First meet in the books!

The Saint Joseph Academy cross country team began their season last Saturday finishing 2nd out of 19 teams at the Berkshire Early Bird Invitational. SJA finished just 11 points behind Chardon High School who took 3 of the top 4 spots in the race. The Jaguars didn't have the front runners, but they had the best depth as their 4th and 5th runners were better than any other school's.

Leading the way in 8th place overall was junior Rachel McGuire in a time of 20:52 and senior Emily Bauer (10th, 20:57). Next came senior captain Jill Bresnahan (17th, 21:32) and junior Alesha Vovk (18th, 21:34). The rest of the top 7 were senior Mel Ward (25th, 21:56), sophomore Mallory Fahey (26th, 21:57), and senior Jessica Bresnahan (28th, 22:10).

The team competes next weekend at the Westerville North Invitational.

Schedule for Week of August 27th

Hi all....couple quick updates then this week's schedule at the bottom (also on the website).

Today was our first meet and it seemed to go pretty well. When we left the hosts still didn't have the results done, so those aren't known yet. When I get them I'll post them on our team website www.sjaxc.blogspot.com

We've gotten a handful of parent requests for t-shirts like the girls have. We'll look at a second order next week.

We've had questions on how to pay for the variety of events coming up (again, I apologize for the costs. If there is a problem please get in touch with me).

t-shirt money - $8.00. Cash or check made out to ME and not to SJA.

canoe run money - $13.00 cash to be paid to Canal Fulton Livery http://cfcanoe.com/ when we get there.

hotel and food for next Friday night - $20.00 cash or check to SJA.

thanks!

Week of Monday, August 27th

Saturday, August 25 – meet hosted by Berkshire High School @ Kent State Geauga Branch Campus next to Geauga County Fairgrounds. The whole team runs in one race at 9:30 (bus leaves at 7am). Be sure they EAT a SMART breakfast!

Sunday, August 26 – FallsSports Picnic 3-6pm at SJA

Monday, August 27 – 3:30-5:15– practice at SJA – hills at Stinchcomb dirt hill then lift

Tuesday, August 28 – canoetrip. Bus leaves SJA at 8am – planned return 2:30pm. Link to waiver to be printed and signed - http://cfcanoe.com/release.html

Athletes need a signed waiver and $13 for their half of the canoe. Wewill canoe down and run back on the towpath next to the river.

Wednesday, August 29 – 3:30-5:15at Impett Park (meet there) – long repeats

Thursday, August 30 –3:30-5:15 at SJA. Easy miles and crosstrain

Friday, August 31 – leave for Westerville after school. Jog on course uponarrival. Order carry out from OliveGarden for dinner. Hotel TBD.

Saturday, September 1 – Meetat Westerville North HS. Varsity (top 7) at 9:30. Open (rest of team) 11:00am. Return home around 3:00pm.

Sunday, September 2 – nothing planned

Monday, September 3 – LaborDay. There will be a long run in the morning at a location and time to be determined.

For the Week of Monday April 20

Hi all...the schedule is the same as the sheet passed out last week, but a few details have been added.

We hope receive team t-shirts this week. They are Dry-Fit and only cost $8.00. Please bring in the money for these ASAP. Make checks payable to Fred Kieser. Please do NOT make checks to SJA or to anyone else. Cash is fine too.

I want to remind everyone that these are mandatory practices. The season has begun so athletes are expected to be at practice every day.

Monday, August 20 – 3:30-5:30 – intervals at Memorial Field
Bring your spikes! If you don’t have any, please get some before this practice. I have the implements to put in the bottom. If you need to put your spikes in show up EARLY to do so. 1600 hard in spikes, big break, then repeat 800's/600's.

Tuesday, August 21 – 3:30-5:30 – easy mileage and lifting at SJA, uniform pass out day! The smallest people will be fitted first, THEN seniors.

Wednesday, August 22 – 3:30-5:15 – threshold run at South Mastick park.

Thursday, August 23 – 3:30-5:15 – at SJA very short run, cross train day.

Friday, August 24 – 3:30-5:15 – pre-meet run at Mastick. Pre-race pasta dinner at South Mastick pavilion at the conclusion of practice. Bring your families!

Saturday, August 25 – meet hosted by Berkshire High School @ Kent State Geauga Branch Campus next to Geauga County Fairgrounds. The whole team runs in one race at 9:30 (bus leaves at 7am). Be sure you EAT a SMART breakfast! You'll want to eat before you get on the bus. Avoid grease and dairy. Optimal foods are bagels, toast, peanut butter, Gatorade, etc...

Sunday, August 26 – no planned practice, but this is the day of the Fall Sports Picnic at 3pm.

For week of Monday, August 13th

Hi all!

We had a very solid first week of practice last week. However it is important to build momentum all season long. You do this by staying consistent, running more each week, and working on your pace.

We absolutely need to have paperwork (physicals, handbook form, and EMA) turned in by this WEDNESDAY. Here is a link to the SJA athletic website - the paperwork needed is toward the bottom. http://www.sja1890.org/?AthletcsHomePage

Please keep good shoes on your feet (Second Sole Rocky River), hydrate, and do all the little things right. AND KEEP TRACKING YOUR DAILY MILEAGE ON RUNNING2WIN.COM. See a previous post below for instructions on how to create an account.

This week:
Monday, August 13th, 9-11:00am - at SJA (repeat miles at Impett Park)

Tuesday, August 14th, 9-11:00am - at South Mastick Park - easy mileage

Wednesday, August 15th, 9-11:00am - Edgewater Park LOWER parking lot (hills)

Thursday, August 16th, no scheduled practice BUT MANDATORY PARENT MEETING FOR ALL FALL SPORTS AT SJA 7PM. This is not hosted by the cross country coach, so if you cannot attend contact the athletic director. CC Parents will meet with the coaches after the meeting for a short break out meeting.

Friday, August 17th, 9-11:00am - South Mastick Park easy mileage

Saturday, August 18th, 9-11:00am - Station Road Picnic Area, Brecksville Reservation. Long run on towpath.

Sunday, August 19th, nothing

For this week....August 6th

Hi all....Here is the schedule for cc practice the week of Auguest 6th, 2012


If you can show up 5 minutes early on Monday to help sort out paperwork issues that come with the first day it would be appreciated! Bring your proper OHSAA physical forms.


The mandatory parent meeting is at SJA, August 16th at 7pm.


Monday, at SJA, 9-11am

Tuesday, at SJA, 9-11am

Wednesday, at South Mastick, 9-11am

Tuesday, at SJA, 9-11am

Friday, at SJA 9-11am

Next 2 weeks

BIG REMINDERS!!!!!

First official practice, August 6th, at SJA from 9-11am

you MUST have a physical up-to-date to be able to practice! For the correct 4 page physical form please go to the 'links' page and print it for your doctor to fill out. Perhaps ask to have your iron levels checked as well.

FILL IN YOUR ONLINE TRAINING LOGS COMPLETELY! Some of you have done NOTHING so far (Marge, Lauren). That is unacceptable. Some of you have not even gone online yet. A real athlete/team member makes an effort to complete tasks presented by the coach. This is not rocket science, its dedication and discipline. Show some kind of interest in your own running.

Practices at Mastick from 6pm-7:30pm for the next 2 weeks.
Mon, July 23
Wed, July 25
Fri, July 27
Mon, July 30
Wed, Aug 1
Fri, Aug 3

Run! Run! Run! Run! Run! Run! Run! Run! Run! Run! Run!

The next 3 weeks

Hi all....

This week we have our SJA CC Youth Camp where kiddos grades 5-8th come to learn from you. Be engaged, share your time with the kids, and make it worthwhile for you AND them please! We will begin with all of you being counselors. If you can't make it let me know ahead of time.


This week:

Monday, July 16 - camp 9:00am-noon

Tues, July 17 - camp same time

Wed, July 18 - camp same time

Thurs, July 19 - camp same time

Fri, July 20 and Sat July 21 - no events planned


Sunday, July 22 - NEO CC Camp for half of the team until Friday July 27


the rest of team that does not go to camp has conditioning with Coach McHenry at Mastick at 6pm-7:30pm Mon Jul 23, Wed July 25, Fri July 27


Week of Monday, July 30

Coach Kieser will be at NEO camp for a 2nd week. The team will have conditioning with Coach McHenry at Mastick from 6pm-7:30 pm on Mon, July 30, Wed Aug 1, and Fri Aug 3.


Keep filling in your online logs and look for a race to do. I highly recommend the Summer Meltdown this Saturday in Lakewood.


thanks, Coach Kieser

This week

Remember to continue logging your mileage on www.running2win.com

Also remember you have been asked to run a road race – 5k or longer, before the first official practice.

It appears this week has some cooler night time low temperatures so running at 9am should be better than it was last Friday at Edgewater.

Monday, July 9 – 9-10:30am at Mastick – run a mile longer than you have the previous Mondays.
Wednesday, July 11 – 9-10:30am at SJA – some kind of up tempo workout
Friday, July 13 – 9-10:30am at Mastick

Upcoming Races
Sun July 8 Debbie Hudacko 5 miler – Mayfield - http://www.runohio.com/index.php/events/calendar/july-2012

Sat July 14 (evening) Winking Lizard Shot in the Dark (4 miles or 2 person teams of 2 miles each) - http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/

Sat July 14 – Amherst Sandstone 5k - http://www.runohio.com/index.php/events/calendar/july-2012

Sun July 15 – Johnnycake Jog 5 miler Painesville - http://www.runohio.com/index.php/events/calendar/july-2012

Sun July 15 – Run for Fun 5k Fairview - http://www.runohio.com/index.php/events/calendar/july-2012

Sat July 21 – Lakewood Summer Meltdown – 5k http://www.runohio.com/index.php/events/calendar/july-2012

Sat July 21 Dirty Dog 5k Avon Lake - http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/

Sat July 21 Strongsville Race for Wellness 5k - http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/

There are many other races to choose from - all you have to do is search!

This week's plan

Week of Monday, July 2nd to Sunday, July 8th.

A reminder to sign up for your running2win account according to the directions on the website and a previous email AND LOG YOUR MILES DAILY!

Also, get your physicals scheduled now (and get blood tests for anemia and mono). Your doctors are backed up a month during the summer, so get ‘em scheduled!

This week for SJA cross country!

Monday, July 2nd – conditioning run at South Mastick Park
9-10:30am

Tuesday, July 3rd – weekly alumni and current team “open run”
South Mastick Park – 6pm. You pick your distance and pace.

Wednesday, July 4th – No practice for the holiday.
HOWEVER
You may choose to meet your teammates for a run.
OR
You may choose to run one of many road races in the area.
Smiles for Sophie 5k is in Avon Lake at 9:00am but its $30. Too rich for my blood.
http://www.smilesforsophieforever.org/NewsEvents/Race.aspx

Twin Sizzler in Medina has a 10k and a 5k. $25 for day of race. $35 if you choose to do both! Haha
http://www.medinaredcross.org/Article/Event-Information

Bay Days in Bay Village is a 5 mile race that is very popular. 8:30 start. Much cheaper for students.
http://www.cwrrc.org/

Hudson Firecracker 5k. 8:30am $20.
http://www.hudsonparkestates.com/clients/72634/File/Firecracker5k_App_2012-2Revised.pdf

Thursday, July 5th – on your own.

Friday, July 6th – CHANGE IN PLAN/VENUE.
9:00-10:30 at Edgewater Park. We will meet at the lower field.

Saturday and Sunday – on your own.

Getting onto running2win instructions

Here are the instructions for logging your running mileage online.



I am asking you to be consistent about logging your miles. Don't make stuff up - be honest.



The website is www.running2win.com



Create an account and be sure to keep track of your username and password. Once you complete your profile I want you to join our team.



To join our "team"....



go to the drop down menus at the top and choose "teams/groups" and choose "join a team". It will ask for the team ID and you will have to ask permission to join. Here is the ID for you to copy and paste into the box. T-3940062212-29


That should be it.

First conditioning day!

Cross country begins Monday, June 25th. We're meeting at South Mastick Park from 9:00-10:45am. Directions below.

Please be on time. Considering packing a bag that has a water bottle, towel, bug spray, and suntan lotion.

I'm hoping for great attitudes and great expectations!

See you Monday!

Map link to South Mastick Picnic Area - http://ohio.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map,ftc,2,fid,1960725,n,south%20mastick%20picnic%20area.cfm

South Mastick Picnic area has a 3 mile uninterrupted horse trail that heads south along the Rocky River parallel to Valley Parkway.
The park is located less than a quarter mile south of the intersection of Valley Pkwy and Puritas/Mastick Roads.

The informational meeting for the upcoming fall's cross country season will be Wednesday, May 23rd in Room 331 during the 1st activity block. A summer schedule, training information, and a fall meet schedule will be discussed.