Pomperaug 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.

Pomperaug runners turned in the team performances of the day, capturing the girls' championship and boys' seeded divisions.

The girls compiled 55 points to beat out three-time defending State Open champion Tolland, which had 80. Ivy Walker finished sixth and Maddie Villa was ninth to pace the Panthers, while Nina Koobatian (14th), Emma Cavanagh (15th) and Kathleen Schenk (20th) also placed in the top 20. Molly Flanagan (29th) and Ashley Wargo (32nd) also earned individual medals.

It was a bit closer on the boys' side, as Pomperaug's 127 points edged out Ellington, which had 139. Scott Gaffney finished 10th in a field of 199 runners to lead the Rams. Mike Schenk was 20th, Mason Fitzpatrick was 22nd and Eric Rosenhein was 30th.

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

Photo credits: Tim Jensen