Runners celebrate in Maine The St.Anne’s/Holy Spirit Cross Country team finished their season in spectacular fashion! Eight of the ten team members who had qualified, made their way to Augusta Maine to run in the Northeast Regional finals in an attempt to qualify for the National Junior Olympics Championships in Nevada. Three qualified for the finals!

On a difficult course, Jennifer Gerland led the way with a first place finish in her division followed by her sister Stephanie, who finished second, both qualifying for the Nationals.. Elisa Pitella and Sami LaRose also finished strong.

On the boy’s side, Ryan Horn finished sixth overall and qualified for the National Championships. Jimmy Searson who was among the leaders fell ill, and in true cross country fashion finished the race in spite of his illness. Timm Josephs and Robert McCarthy followed up with strong performances against runners a year older and more experienced. Most if not all ran their best times for the 3000 and 4000 meter distances.

Jimmy & Laurel celebrate another Turkey Trot Victory At the Thanksgiving Day Garden City Turkey Trot, Laurel Fisher and Jimmy Searson defended their titles by winning the 1.4 mile run for the second year in a row in their respective divisions.

During the winter season, many of the team members remain active running for their school teams and continue to participate in local road races held in our area. On the roads at the Fly with the Owls 4 Mile Run, Jennifer Gerland was the first woman finisher with Stephanie Gerland and Laurel Fisher landing the top two places in their age group and John Paul Welsh winning his age group as well. At the Adelphi University Toys for Tots 5K Run, Laurel Fisher was the third woman finisher, while at the Ho Ho Ho Holiday 5K Run in Bethpage, with well over 1,000 runners, Laurel finished as the seventh woman in the race and first in the 14U category. Meanwhile, Ryan Horn traveled to Prospect Park to participate in the NYRR Holiday 4 Mile Race, with a time that placed him in the top seven of the 12-14 age category. Many of these performances are outstanding as these athletes, at only 12 years of age and under, are beating both high school and college runners.

Jenn, Stephie, John Paul & Laurel are all smiles at Fly with the Owls The coaches extend their congratulations to all team members for the most outstanding season ever. Keep up the great work! Much luck and success in 2010.