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On Wednesday, September 30, a true athletic battle was fought at the Coakley Middle School in Norwood, Massachusetts. In order to preserve their excellent 5-1 record, the men of Walpole’s cross country team had to run their hardest against Walpole sports nemesis Norwood and reigning Bay State League champions, Brookline. Ultimately, Walpole beat Norwood, 19-38, and lost to Brookline 40-19.
But regardless of any results, it was an impressive competition. Walpole powered its way out of the gate, leading the pack with its 7 runners. This gung-ho attitude persisted as the team headed up a steep incline and into CMS’ woods. On its way out of the woods, however, the team struggled to maintain pole position, with team captain Ben Goula barely leading a group of Brookline runners, and Justin Connolly and Zach Ganshirt trying to push their way to the front.
One lap later, the tight packs had broken up, and the runners began to show their true colors as they pushed themselves up hill after hill. Ganshirt had overtaken Goula for the prime position. Connolly followed closed behind. Goula, and his co-captain Ryan Doherty, grappled viciously with Brookline’s top runners. Then it was into the woods for the final time.
After 3 miles of running and with the finish line just over a final crest, Walpole’s men pushed their final push. Connolly now led the Walpole team, ahead of all but one Brookline runner. Ganshirt and Doherty kept pushing, trying their best to widen the gap between themselves and a determined Brookline squad. The rest of the top 7 attempted to get that final edge on the last straightaway, in order to beat as many runners as possible.
In the end, Connolly took second and beat his personal 5K record with a 17:18 time. Ganshirt and Doherty shared a 17:35 time and took seventh and eigth respectively, with Doherty beating his season best. Sophomore Tim Conley also set a personal record, with a 19:15 time. These records are what make a loss to Brookline completely worthwhile.
“We did what we were supposed to,” said Coach Tim Giblin. “We beat who we were supposed to and lost to who we were supposed to lose to”. He knew, as did the runners, that producing a win over the reigning division champs would be a huge task. But that didn’t stop anyone from battling to the last and making every step count.
So there was nothing but satisfaction after Wednesday’s meet. The team’s record is still 6-2, and the Rebels fought their hardest. Plus, a win over Norwood is never a bad thing.
