On a day that saw 6 Immaculata runners achieve season best times, it was Sophia Gonzales's performance that turned the most heads on Saturday. Turn the clock back a week to the Bernie Magee Class Meet. Sophia was on her way to a breakthrough performance and came thru the 2 mile mark at 14:36 only to succumb to a cramp over the last mile. With 400m to go it was obvious to everyone the pain she was experiencing yet she willed her way to the finish line with a time of 29:06. Fast forward to this week at the Stewart Memorial at the exact same course (Greystone Park). Sophia again showed no fear early in the race as she came thru 2 miles in just a shade over 14 minutes. This time there was no stopping her in the final mile as she cruised to the finish in a lifetime best mark of 22:55.
There's something about watching Sophia race that makes breakthroughs like this so special. Maybe it's her relentless determination. Maybe it's her fearless and positive attitude. Maybe it's her size. But whatever it is, it caused Coach Leddy to non-stop say "Look at her go, look at her go!" while watching the race as Coach Heibell stood next to him uncontrollably smiling as she kept tearing it up. It's gonna be a fun next few weeks watching her continue to progress #HeartofaChampion
In other action from the Stewart Memorial, Mike Paustian continued his comeback as he dropped over a minute from last week en route to a 23rd place finish. Sean Castellano and Michael Blandino posted lifetime best marks while Taylor Luger and Ali Wehrhahn achieved season best times. And TJ Harkins battled a 101 degree fever on his way to a 30th place finish.
The coming week will see the Spartans race twice as they preview 2 courses that will host key meets later this season. First is the Skyland Conference "Valley Division" Championship on Wednesday at Natirar. We will then travel to Holmdel on Saturday as we compete at the New Balance Shore Coaches Invitational. Catch ya'll there.
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