Main Line cross-country wrapup: Friends’ Central runners 3rd at Quad X Invitational

The Friends’ Central girls’ cross-country team participated in the Quad X Cross Country Relay Invitational, a unique race where four runners each run two miles, passing a baton to equal an eight mile relay race across Belmont Plateau. FCS’ relay team consisted of Emily Burd, Claire Szarpary, Nadia Taranta and Amelia McDonnell. The team placed third (57:50) out of the 18 competing teams. Senior Emily Burd ran a strong race, getting the baton in fifth place about 30-45 seconds behind the third- and fourth-place team. She ultimately ran them down and passed fourth place by 17 seconds and fifth place by a little over a minute, finishing with her two-mile split of 13:34.
The Friends’ Central boys participated in the 4XCC Invitational Sept. 10 at Balemont Plateau in 95 degree heat on a demanding course which includes the infamous Parachute Hill. Relay 1 was led by the fast start of Kevin Montresor (13:14) and anchored by the faster finish of captain Alex McDonnell (13:03). The relay placed 13th which improved their finish by two places over last season’s result. The individual 2 mile was highlighted by the top half finish from Steven Chen (14:24). First time competitor, freshman anchor of Relay 2, Lucas Klein (15:20) turned in a strong performance in his inaugural event.

In other Main Line high school cross-country action:

Baldwin School defeated host AIM Academy, 18-27, Sept. 8. Baldwin’s Henni Gust was the winner with a time of 21.38 at the Norristown Farm Park. Teammates Lila Williams and Acey Pratt finished second (21.58) and third (22.37).

Episcopal Academy (girls) defeated Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (17-42) and Academy of Notre Dame (25-30) in a tri-meet Tuesday. Top finisher was EA’s Caitlin Jorgensen, who finished first at 21:38.

Harriton had some fine performances in a quad meet against Lower Merion, Haverford High and Garnet Valley Sept. 7 at Penn Wynne Park. The Harriton girls beat all three teams, and Tasha Greene finished first, as the Rams beat Garvet Valley (19-42), Lower Merion (26-30) and Haverford (27-30). For the Harriton boys, the top finisher in the 5K race was Bruce Herriot with a 17:24. Jake Berberian ran a personal best of 20:29.

Malvern Prep lost to Episcopal Academy, 29-28, Tuesday. The Friars had three of the top four finishers: Peter Borger (fiorst place, 16:32), John Powers (third, 18:00) and Danny Malloy (fourth, 18:09). EA’s Elias Lindgren finished second at 17:16.

Radnor had a strong outing at the Bulldog Invitational at Rose Tree Park Sept. 11. Senior Peter Cooke placed third in the varsity boys race, clocking a 17:25.8. Doug Rosin (17th) and Jack Bell (20th) earned medals. In the girls varsity race Julia Havertine took home the eighth place medal in 21:54.6. Caroline Ditrolio was 13th.
In the girls freshman/sophomore race Abigail Idiculla ran a strong 22:32.3 for fourth place. Frank Brown placed seventh in the boys freshman/sophomore race in 19:21.8. Sam Dilella (15th), Asa Hartman (18th), and Phin Bond (19th) were also in the top 20.
Radnor opened its Central League season with strong performances at home against Penncrest, Ridley and Marple Newtown Sept. 7. The boys topped Penncrest (26-29), Ridley (19-39) and Marple (15-50). Peter Cooke, Doug Rosen, and Jack Bell placed second, third, and fourth in the race. Freshman Sam Dilella was 10th. Bobby Subak (11th) was the fifth scorer for Radnor.
The Radnor girls swept Penncrest (22-39), Ridley (22-35), and Marple (16-47). Julia Havertine was second, followed by Caroline Ditrolio (third) and freshman Abigail Idiculla (fourth). Sarah Rosenblum was ninth in the race. Megs Packer was the fifth placer for Radnor.