“Around the Course’’
Mc Millan is 1st R.I. female finisher;
La Salle’s Principe is top local boy
By BOB LEDDY
R.I. Track & Field Foundation
8 Nov. – – In the decades-long history of girls’ teams entered at New England Cross Country Championships, no Rhode Island school has ever taken home titles in both genders – until Saturday, that is.
The nationally-ranked Ram boys’ and girls’ harriers captured both prizes at the 80th edition of the regional event. The race was held in perfect weather conditions on a 3.1-mile course at Wickham Park in Manchester, Conn. The La Salle boys’ team successfully defended their 2013 New England title, putting up 67 points, to 144 for second-place Danbury (CT). Significantly, the La Salle girls’ squad upset pre-race favorites – and defending champions – Coe-Brown Academy of New Hampshire by a score of 80 to 93. The Rams took scoring positions 3, 4, 14, 25 and 34, while Coe-Brown’s top five placers were Nos. 5, 6, 15, 23 and 44.
Both Ram teams entered Saturday’s races as ’14 R.I. team titlists.
Three-time state girls’champ Emma Mc Millan was the first Rhode Islander over the line, finishing fourth in 18:30. As a sophomore last year, Mc Millan placed sixth at the New Englands in New Hampshire. The girls’ run on Saturday was captured by defending regional champ Hannah Debalsi, a junior from Staples, Conn. In a time of 17:58.
“The course was up and down; a lot of hills,’’ said Mc Millan, who also runs outdoor track. “I thought it was different. It was a challenge.’’
Mc Millan, displaying the form of a veteran, went out quickly on Saturday. “I had a fast start,’’ she said.”I wanted to be in the tp 30 [pack of runners] in the first 40 meters or so. I was just running to stay with the leaders in the race. A lot of the girls are good. We were all running for second [place],’’ she said, referring to Debalsi’s commanding lead. “I was trying to stay motivated for my team; to be a role model for the freshmen.’’
But the La Salle girls weren’t far behind Mc Millan. Junior Eliza Rego clocked 18:35 for fifth spot, with teammate Karina Tavares placing sixth in 18:39. A pair of freshman All-Staters were among the top 15 finishers. South Kingstown’s Ellie Lawler took the tenth spot in 18:47, while the Eagles’ Grace Connolly was one place behind (18:52). Another impressive freshman – Westerly’s Randi Burr – was 26th overall.
Heading the R.I. boys’ contingent was La Salle sophomore D.J. Principe, the Rhode Island champ last weekend, in 15:56. Alex Ostberg, of Darien, Conn. Was the gold medalist in 15:07. Ram junior Matt Bouthillette was the next local finisher, placing 17th in 16:15. Heading the Hendricken contingent on Saturday was junior Dominic Parlato; 24th in 16:20.
Photo by courtesy of David Principe.