Norris Places Second, Team Narrowly Misses Berth to States

Last week the Shoremen cross country team, which was ranked eighth in the state, beat No. 21-ranked St. Edward (59) at the Northeast Ohio Division I District meet at Lorain County Community College and picked up its first district crown since 1994.

Hopes were high the momentum would carry over to this week, with a return trip to state as a team as the prize.

On a brisk morning, at a course that has been unpredictable over the years at Hedges Boyer Park, the team placed fifth out of sixteen teams and fell just short of that dream.

Brunswick just edged them 154 to 156 points, while the favorite to win it all in Columbus, St. Ignatius took home the team title with 69.

But all was not lost, as Trevor Norris put together one of the best days in Shoremen history. Norris, a senior, placed second overall with his time of 15:52, just two seconds shy of the title won by Willie Fink of Maumee.

"It was good from an individual standpoint but team wise it was disappointing," Norris said. "But we have to proud of what we accomplished this year. You can nickle and dime where it went wrong, but the end of the day it was we just didn't do it.

While the conditions were cold, Norris said the conditions weren't as bad as they usually are and set the tone for a fast race.

"It was very close between me and Nick Jackosky from Lakewood and Fink for most of the race." Norris said.

At the three mile mark is where all three began to duke it out, and Fink had a kick towards the end to eke out the win.

"We were all neck and neck and kind of pushing each other," Norris said. "But he took a few strides faster, and I couldn't keep up. I'm not the kicker type of runner. I was moving and it was a good day, but we wanted to go as a team."

Norris said his goal entering the meet was top five, and he is setting that goal for the state meet too.

"Since my team didn't make it down, I want to go for Matt Link's school record," Norris said. "Me and my coach have set the goal to finish in the top 12."

As for the rest of the Shoremen at the Regional  meet, Connor Musial was 25th with his 16:34, while Francesco Maiorca was 35th with a 16:47, Tommy Parsons 54 with his 17:02 and Nick Nix 79th, with a 17:29  while Devin Arora was 86th with his time of 17:38. Michael Callesen 17:42 rounded out the Shoremen's efforts.     

"We had a great season, you cant take away the district or SWC title and how we finished some other meets," Norris said. "So it was a great season, but you can't take anything for granted."