Walpole Cross Country entered the post season when they raced in the Bay State League Meet and the Twilight Invitational on October 19, and October 26. The boys and girls both had a strong showing at the League Championships with the varsity girls placing three overall, while boys placed five.
The girls had five personal records in the varsity race, with the boys having eight personal records. Senior Pat Connell and junior Allie Morris were Walpole’s top finishers placing 17, and 6. Connell ran a personal record of 16:29, and Morris ran a best time of 18:33. Morris ran with the top group of runners, the first place finisher for the girls was a sophomore from Needham breaking the course record in 18:01. Senior boys Mike Van Der Linden and Anthony Divirgilio also ran best times in 16:31 and 16:43. Junior Brendan Wohler was Walpole’s last runner under 17:00, with 16:50. Senior girls Kristen Coyne and Jackie Applin placed 15, and 20 with times of 19:18, and a personal record from Coyne as she ran in 19:33. “I never thought I would break 20:00 minutes, especially by so much, I’m ecstatic,” said Coyne
Walpole had a first place finisher from freshman Stephanie Forester in the 2,500 meter race, teammate Delaney Murphy also had a strong race as she placed in fourth place.
Girls Head Coach Jamie Farrell said, “The girls had a great showing at Norwood this past Saturday. It was wonderful to see freshman girls Steph Forester and Delaney Murphy place within the top four in the first race of the day and sets a high expectation for their futures.”
The Barnstable Fairgrounds in Eastern Falmouth is known for its fast course, with matted grass and very few hills with little elevation. The girls all ran personal records, with the top four all under 20:00 in the 5,000 meter race for the first time ever. Morris was Walpole’s first place finisher with a second best time this season in 18:56, the first one to run under 19:00 this season. As for Applin, she ran close to a whole minute faster than her previous 5,000 meter race.
She said, “I felt confident starting out. There were alot of amazing runners and they pushed me to get a great time. When I saw 19:12 on the clock I knew I proved myself that I can go into any race and go beyond the limits.”
