Jumbos Reunite at Alumni Run

(9/3/2005) See more Photos     Full Results

Twenty-three alumni and friends came back to the farm course at Grafton to join the twenty-seven current jumbos in starting off their season. The 5k race was only a part of the day?s festivities as the bbq and events that followed will probably last longer in the memories of all in attendance.

The race played out very similarly to those in recent years. A relatively tame early pace kept a large pack in contention going into the mile. Coming down the hill past the barn things began to heat up and string out with all the perennial contenders in the mix. Following the crest of the "steep hill" it was down to three, Josh Kennedy, JR Cruz, and Matt Lacey. Just past the 2-mile mark going into the woods Kennedy made a move that proved decisive, as only Lacey was able to follow. The two runners representing team Ossipee (O!) then cruised into the finish with Kennedy (the junior) slipping behind Lacey (the senior) at the line. Both recorded times of 16:07, a junior record for Kennedy and only a few seconds behind the meet record. One wonders what the two would have been capable of had they known how close they were to the elusive 16 minute barrier that no TUXC runner has ever broken.

Matt Carter, a friend of assistant coach Rod Hemingway, moved into third overtaking JR Cruz in the last mile. Following these two alumni was a strong group of current jumbos, who took the next six spots. Sophomore Chris Kantos led in junior Justin Chung, who was followed by Kyle Doran and his fellow seniors Neil Orfield and Matt Fortin. Sophomore Brendan McNeish was next, rounding out the top group of 8 jumbos who ran faster than any previous squad. Finally, following this elite group came two alumni from the class of 2005, Nate Brigham and Brian McNamara. Top freshman honors went to Andrew Lee who crossed the line strong at 17:50.

After an adequate cool down jumbos young and old enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, and baked goods with Connie Putnam, the man who tied everyone together and recently retired after coaching for 21 years.

The team will head to Connecticut College next weekend for their first race against collegiate competition, and for some, their first race at the 8k distance.



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