Boys' cross country qualifies for states for the second consecutive year

Top five runners all run personal records and advance to States

posted November 15, 2009

by Erin Kiekhaefer and Regina Wang of Viking

Brandon Dukovic

Seniors Peter Wilson (left) and Josh Newby race downhill in the challenging Crystal Springs course at the CCS meet on Saturday.

The Palo Alto High School boys' cross-country team qualified for the state meet by placing third overall in the Central Coast Section (CCS) meet at Crystal Springs on Saturday.

After advancing to the state meet for the first time in 18 years during the 2008 cross-country season, the boys performed with faster times in this year's state qualifying meet.

With perfect running conditions, the members of the Paly boys' team all ran personal records to finish with the fastest combined time the top five runners have run at the Crystal Springs course, 80 minutes and 28 seconds, according to head coach Joe Ginanni.

"All the guys ran their best times at Crystal Springs," Ginanni said. "As a team, they ran the fastest a Paly top five group has run at Crystal Springs, so we're really happy with that."

Philip MacQuitty ('10) finished first for Paly and fourth in the Division II race with a time of 15 minutes, three seconds for the 2.95 mile course, which is a personal record by nine seconds.

"I did well for just starting back up, so it was pretty good to run a PR," MacQuitty said. "I'm pretty happy with how I did. I'm all good now [injury-wise]. I just lost lots of fitness in my month off. I don't want to get hurt again."

According to varsity member Josh Newby ('10), teammate Peter Wilson ('10) ran extremely well. Newby came in second for Paly in 15:57, also a personal record by nine seconds.

"Peter Wilson had an excellent race," Newby said. "He PR-ed significantly from last week and almost broke 16 [minutes], which is a huge benchmark."

Wilson came in third for Paly and 20th overall in a 12-second PR time of 16:03.

Ginanni also noted remarkable improvement by Henry Jordan ('10), who finished 33rd in a personal record of 16:36, which was 46 seconds faster than the time he ran less than two weeks ago at the league meet.

Not only did the boys run personal records, but the overcast weather also turned out to be ideal for racing.

"The weather was perfect for running--super cool and foggy," Newby said.

The Vikings placed third to Mountain View High School, first overall, and Gunn High School, second overall.

With the state meet coming up in a couple weeks on Nov. 28, the boys will be taking the time in between to rest, get healthy and improve their kicks, the end sprint at the finish.

"I know Philip [MacQuitty] was talking about how he wanted to do speed work; kicking to prepare for states," Alex Voet ('10) said. "We'll probably ease off training so we're in the best shape for states."

Voet ran a personal record of 16:57 and placed sixth for Paly on Saturday.

A few members of the varsity team have not been feeling well over the past few weeks, and in the upcoming days until states, the boys are focusing on getting better.

"Peter [Wilson] , Ben [Sklaroff ('10)] and I are all a little sick," Newby said. "We'll probably sleep a lot and try to get healthy."

Sklaroff placed fifth for Paly in 16:49, 18 seconds faster than his previous personal record.

The boys' cross-country team will race on Nov. 28 in the State Finals at Woodward Park, Fresno.

Editor's note: The original version of the story stated Sklaroff ran the race in 16:43. Sklaroff finished in 16:49. Additionally, it credited the photo to Erin Kiekhaefer. Brandon Dukovic took the photo. The current version of the story reflect these changes.