Ludlowe Middle School Places 2nd At Cross Country Championships

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Roger Ludlowe Middle School girls’ cross country team placed second overall at the 25th Connecticut Middle School State Cross Country Championship at Wickham Park in Manchester on Nov. 4. In a field of 47 teams and 380 athletes, the RLMS team was only topped by Dodd Middle School. Sixth-grader Blane McElroy led Ludlowe with a 13th-place finish out of nearly 400 runners.

Also scoring for Roger Ludlowe was Jordan Stein, Emma O'Neil, Caroline Clarke, and Grace Moriarty who all finished in the top quarter. The varsity team also included Emilia de Jounge and Grace Noto, who finished sixth and seventh for Ludlowe.

The 2017 season featured many highlights for Roger Ludlowe. The second-place finish at states was the best finish in school history and the best finish ever by a Fairfield middle school.

Ludlowe coach Justin Tomczyk attributed the success to a team approach.

“The girls have run as a pack all season consistently supporting each other,” he said. “I think that's a real testament to their character.”

Earlier in the week, at Ridgefield High School, both the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams secured the WCC League Championship titles.

“It really has been an incredible season,” Ludlowe coach Steve DeAngelo said. “These kids have put in the effort and it's fantastic to see their goals come to fruition.”

Several of the Roger Ludlowe athletes will look to continue their impressive seasons at the USATF level, running with Heads Up Running in the Junior Olympic regional meet at the White Memorial Foundation & Conservation Center in Litchfield.

Contributed photo and article