Fairfield Scholastic Runners Turn In Strong Performances at Wickham Invitational

MANCHESTER, CT — They came by the thousands - in fact, 4,071 of them finished the course at one of the largest, most grueling and most prestigious cross country invitational meets in New England.

They came from four states to compete in 15 different races, ranging from middle school to varsity championship divisions, testing each athlete's endurance and stamina as they tackled the steep hill dubbed "The Green Monster."

For the 35th straight year, scholastic runners converged on Wickham Park Saturday for the annual Wickham Invitational, a great preview of the course that will again host the state class meets on Oct. 29, and the State Open on Nov. 4.

Drew Thompson of Fairfield Prep placed second in the boys' championship race, while teammate Chris Nilsson was 36th.

Fairfield Ludlowe was led to an eighth-place standing in the girls' seeded event by Sarah Leatherwood, who came in eighth. Lauren O'Neil was 24th and Madeline Ruggiero was 33rd for the Falcons.

For complete results of all 15 races, including varsity, JV, freshman and middle school, click here.

Photo credits: Tim Jensen