The Panthers were out in full force Friday on a hot and breezy afternoon in Rohnert Park. All results can be found by clicking on the "RESULTS" tab up top and then clicking on the "Rancho Invitational" link.
The JV Boys put everyone on notice with their intimidating "MAN-CHANT" -- people in the stands stared in both awe and befuddlement (with perhaps more emphasis on the latter). Maybe they will learn the New Zealand Haka for their next performance? Don't know what the Haka is? Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdMCAV6Yd0Y
The testosterone-fueled incantation clearly aided the performances as Panther after Panther attacked the course with Isaiah Egan, Ethan Foster, Tommy Lucas, and Josh Peck leading the way. Josh would end up being the top JV of the day, clear evidence of his innate talent and proof that he'll be working harder in practice now :-)!
The JV girls were inspired by the fast finishes of the JV boys and did some damage of their own. Natalie Fritz stunned the field (and Sean, who said: "Who's the girl with the hair?") by going out hard and holding on for 4th place as a fast-charging Puma was denied by the Fritz-en-ator in the final push for the finish line. Next were senior stalwarts Amber Peters, Nicole Chodora, and Tab Srisfenga, who strutted their stuff by running savvy and sensational season openers (check out that alliteration!)
Many of the JVs were first-time racers who learned a lot about just how hard they can push themselves. They learned that they won't give up when things get hard -- an important lesson that they will carry over into all aspects of their lives.
Then it was time for the Panther Varsity Boys -- showtime! They raced like seasoned Div. I veterans, running a smart first mile, an aggressive middle mile, and a do-or-die last mile. Their pack-oriented tactics earned them a coveted victory over rivals Maria Carrillo. Michael Tomasi led the way, nearly breaking 16 minutes (#4 all time on the course). All 7 boys broke 17 minutes, a rare and amazing feat!
The Varsity Girls wrapped the afternoon up with a solid effort that earned them 2nd place to a very tough Maria Carrillo team. Eva Herbst and Sadia Ibrahim took control of the pack and pushed the middle mile to pick off many runners and run as fast as our state qualifier, Kelly Brooks, did last year. The rest of the pack ran tight and smart, with Evvy Archibald making an inspired last mile push to pass what must have been 10 runners. There is no doubt that the girls will tighten up their pack as lingering injuries release their hold.
Now on to some hard work this week geared toward one of the coolest races of the year: Ed Sias!
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