Eastern Region/TCIS cross country recap

The Eastern Region meet is over but it won’t be forgotten for the many story lines.

The headliner was Ocean Lakes senior Drew Paisley beating his nemesis Blake Theroux of Western Branch in the boys race.

After his race, Paisley couldn’t stop smiling.

“It’s kind of a relief to know that I’ve trained hard all year for the past three years working my butt off trying to do my best,” he said, “and days like today make me feel like it was worth it.”

Ocean Lakes coach Mike Nestor also was happy for the senior. He’s just glad Paisley was patient enough to stick with the new game plan.

“We had two races this year where he went out real hard and he suffered,” Nestor said. “We crashed and burned twice so I said lets try something new.

So he’s kind of figured it out that he doesn’t have to go out hard early. It was kind of gratifying because I know he worked so hard for this and he deserved it. It was just Drew’s day.”

The Ocean Lakes girls team also dazzled as Peri Bowman (3rd overall), Audrey Baztel (8th), Samantha Park (10th), Savannah Trent (21st) and Caroline Robinson (27th) all ran well to help the Dolphins defend their region title.

One team many didn’t expect to finish near the front was Princess Anne, which finished second overall. The Cavaliers’ finish wasn’t a complete surprise since they did win the Beach District regular-season title. But the young team with no seniors excelled.

“We thought there were seven good teams in here and if everything broke well we thought we could finish fourth,” said Princess Anne coach Kevin Rhue. “To be honest with you, the kids just ran the race of their lives.”

Rhue knew about the results at least 15 minutes before they were announced but he didn’t inform his team because he wanted it to be a surprise.

“This has been building and we’ve been quietly doing things,” said Rhue whose team consists of three juniors, three sophomores and a freshman. “I guess we can’t do it quietly anymore.”

Landstown senior Stephanie Frenchik showed her dominance once again in the girls race as she ran away from the field en route to her first region cross country title.

“I think she finally realized that she’s in so much better shape than she has been in years past,” said Landstown coach David Coulter. “I just think confidence overpowered what she thought about the race.”

In the boys team race, Grassfield placed five runners in the top 20 to get revenge on Western Branch, which beat the Grizzlies at the Southeastern District meet.

Grassfield coach Pat Banks knew all along his team was one of the best in the region. Two weeks ago, No. 5 runner Andrew Antangan blacked out during the race costing the Grizzlies major points.

“I can’t use that as an excuse but you can’t win without your No. 5 runner,” Banks said. “It broke my heart to see them lose the district meet but this is what we worked for all year.”

The region title also was the first boys title for Banks in his illustrious career. He led Great Bridge to three girls titles.

If you missed the region meet, you can see highlights at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW0Y385nSog

Tidewater Conference meet

As expected Greenbrier Christian’s Michael Bailey and Catholic’s Colleen Schrader remained undefeated against league runners as they both captured individual titles.

Bailey won his race in a time of 16:00 at Newport News Park, while Schrader ran 19:29. Neither runner was challenged over the 3.1-mile course. A Schrader has now won the TCIS individual title the last five years as her sister Tara won four titles.

It was a close race in the boys team title as Peninsula Catholic, Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Collegiate and Norfolk Christian battled. In the end Peninsula Catholic’s depth was too much as it won by nine points over two-time defending champion Norfolk Collegiate, which finished second with 73 points. Norfolk Academy was third with 74 and Norfolk Christian was fourth with 79.

The girls team title was a matter of depth as well with Norfolk Academy coming out on top as the Bulldogs scored 42 points. Peninsula Catholic was second with 68 points and Bishop Sullivan was third with 91.

TCIS results

Boys Team 1. Peninsula Catholic 64, 2. Norfolk Collegiate 73, 3. Norfolk Academy 74, 4. Norfolk Christian 79, 5. Bishop Sullivan 137, 6. Cape Henry 141, 7. Nansemond-Suffolk 171, 8. Greenbrier Christian 201, 9. Walsingham 246.

Individual Michael Bailey (GC) 16:00, 2. Leber (NS) 16:51, 3. Granger (NA) 16:52, 4. R.Lanoue (NC) 17:08, 5. Walters (PC) 17:11, 6. Swanson (NCh) 17:14, 7. Bolen (NA) 17:14, 8. Smith (NCol) 17:15, 9. Blanchard (CH) 17:16, 10. Sprinkle (PC) 17:21, 11. B.Lanoue (NC) 17:25, 12. Adams (NCh) 17:27, 13. Gonzales (PC) 17:27, 14. Wiggins (NA) 17:31, 15. Warner (NCh) 17:36.

Girls Team 1. Norfolk Academy 42, 2. Peninsula Catholic 68, 3. Bishop Sullivan 91, 4. Nansemond-Suffolk 97, 5. Norfolk Collegiate 110, 6. Norfolk Christian 115, 7. Cape Henry 166.

Individual 1. Colleen Schrader (Bishop Sullivan) 19:29, 2. Barclay (NCh) 19:56, 3. Wolfe (NA) 20:04, 4. Gower (NA) 20:19, 5. Abramov (NC) 20:30, 6. McCracken (NS) 20:36, 7. Mlynczak (PC) 20:39, 8. Georgi (PC) 20:50, 9. Chako (NA) 20:58, 10. Thom (PC) 21:05, 11. Watkins (NA) 21:17, 12. Parker (NC) 21:26, 13. Barger (BS) 21:27, 14. Demmerle (GC) 21:31, Gray (NCh) 21:42.

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Final cross country notebook/rankings

Southeastern District recap

Great Bridge  junior Emily Smith desperately wanted to defend her district title, especially since nearly everyone else had written her off.

She knew she was ready with about a mile and half left.

“That’s when it gets hard and from there it’s who wants it more,” she said.

Smith bettered her time by 11 seconds at Bells Mill Park.

Western Brach senior Blake Theroux had extra motivation to do well at the district meet.

He was running for his older brother Brett.

“He’s been going through some tough times,” he said. “So I dedicated my race to him.”

Theroux, like everyone else, was caught off guard by the unseasonably warm temperatures

“I really didn’t know it was going to be this hot but I didn’t change my race plans because of the heat but it still affected my race,” he said. “I knew I was going to be running out front by myself. I expected that. I’ve been doing that for awhile now.”

Hickory coach Jud Sarver didn’t think the girls team race would be wide open.

“I started talking about us being able to win it two weeks ago,” he said. “I actually saw this happening in August. It was just a matter of waiting to see what other people had and see how things shook out.”

Teammates Allyson Smiley and Teresa Williamson also believed.

“We all had each other and we’re really close as a team,” Smiley said. “You have to believe in yourself and your team.”

Added Williamson

“I knew we could do it. We just had to give it our all.”

Beach District recap - Chic Riebel 

The Eastern Region cross country field may the be ever, this according to Ocean Lakes coach Mike Nestor.

“In the 16 years I’ve been here, this is the best region field ever for the boys,” he said. “The quality of runners has never been higher. Grassfield, Western Branch, Hickory and us, it should be a great match-up.”

Drew Paisley, who was running more for the team, won the district title in a time of 16:21.22, which was way off of former Kellam standout Bobby Peavey’s course record of 15:29.49.

“My time? It was just a go-out-there-and-see-what-I-can-do kind of day for me,” said Paisley following his first individual district title. “I didn’t have any time goals. Now I’ll shoot for the same kind of times Bobby Peavey had and see what I can do. I’m definitely going for a personal best at regionals.” 

Tallwood senior Sam Nelson, a Tallwood senior, finished seventh to lead Lions to a second-place finish and gain a berth to the region meet.

What’s interesting is that he finished dead last – 77th – when he was a freshman.

That’s a tribute to perseverence.

To see highlights from the Beach District meet,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLUh6oTYaNo&feature=youtube_gdata

Tidewater Conference news

Bishop Sullivan sophomore Colleen Schrader is peaking at the right time.

Schrader recently complete at the Norfolk Christian meet where she beat Norfolk Academy’s Sophie Wolfe and Owen McMillan, who were then ranked No. 7 and No. 9 in South Hampton Roads.

Schrader won the race in a time of 20 minutes, 27 seconds at North Side Park.

It was her seventh victory this season.

Final rankings

Boys top 15

1. Blake Theroux (Western Branch) 15:52 at Southeastern District championship at Bells Mill Park; 2. Paisley (Ocean Lakes) 16:21 at Beach District championship at Sportsplex; 3. Bailey (Greenbrier Christian) 15:34 at MileStat.com Invitational; 4. Matais (Western Branch) 16:11 at Southeastern; 5. Davenport (Maury) 16:00.73 at MileStat.com Invitational; 6. Corwin (Hickory) 16:21 at Southeastern; 7. Jacobs (Western Branch) 16:25 at Southeastern; 8. White (Great Bridge) 16:33 at Southeastern; 9. Greenwald (Grassfield) 16:38 at Southeastern; 10. Harrison (Grassfield) 16:41.24 at Southeastern; 11. Winters (Ocean Lakes) 16:41.07 at Beach; 12. Mullaney (Hickory) 16:41.88 at Southeastern; 13. Taylor (Grassfield) 16:50 at Southeastern; 14. Coulter (Landstown) 16:51 at Beach; 15. Daversa (Grassfield) 17:04 at Southeastern.

Boys top 10 teams 1. Western Branch; 2. Ocean Lakes; 3. Grassfield; 4. Hickory; 5. Great Bridge; 6. Kellam; 7. Tallwood; 8. Princess Anne; 9. Landstown; 10. Maury.

Girls top 15 1. Stephanie Frenchik (Landstown) 19:17 at Beach District championship at Sportsplex; 2. E. Smith (Great Bridge) 19:33 at Southeastern District championship at Bells Mill Park; 3. Bowman (Ocean Lakes) 19:29 at Beach; 4. Cunniffe (Grassfield) 19:57 at Southeastern; 5. Gray (Cox) 19:42 at Beach; 6. Butt (Hickory) 20:07 at Southeastern; 7. Anderson (First Colonial) 19:53 at Beach; 8. Schrader (Bishop Sullivan) 20:27 at Norfolk Christian meet; 9. Kissel (Hickory) 20:18 at Southeastern; 10. Cornell (Princess Anne) 19:56 at Beach; 11. Taylor (Kellam) 20:14 at Beach; 12. Wolfe (Norfolk Academy) 20:48 at Norfolk Christian meet; 13. Bishop (Western Branch) 20:24 at Southeastern; 14. Wynn (Western Branch) 20:33 at Southeastern; 15. Ledbetter (Tallwood) 20:17 at Beach.

Girls top 10 teams 1. Ocean Lakes; 2. Hickory; 3. Princess Anne; 4. Grassfield; 5. Norfolk Academy; 6. Western Branch; 7. Kellam; 8. Great Bridge; 9. Cox; 10. Tallwood.

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Cross country notebook/rankings - Week 6

MileStat.com Invitational Ocean Lakes senior Drew Paisley placed second at the MileStat.com Invitational in Chesterfield. Paisley ran 15 minutes, 34.09 seconds. Greenbrier Christian's Michael Bailey was fourth overall in 15:43, Great Bridge's Jordan White was sixth in 15:49 and Maury's Brian Davenport was eighth in 16:00. In the team standings, Ocean Lakes was fifth, Maury was 19th and Greenbrier Christian was 23rd. On the girls side, Ocean Lakes' Peri Bowman was 18th in a time of 19:39.66. Teammate Audrey Baztel was 23rd in 19:47.87 as the Dolphins finished fifth overall.

Runnin With The Wolves Rocktoberfest Tallwood's Sam Nelson finished 21st in a time of 17:48 and teammate Marcus Rindhardt was 30th (18:08.50) as the Lions finished fifth overall. On the girls side, Tallwood's Mekenna Ledbetter placed seventh in a time of 20:13 as she helped Tallwood place ninth.

Currituck Invitational Norfolk Academy swept the boys and girls titles. Chris Boler led the boys as he won the race in a time 17:30 to lead a 1-2-3 sweep. Ian Granger was second and Grant Wiggins was third. Norfolk Academy's Sophie Wolfe ran 19:39 to win the girls individual title. Teammate Owen McMillan was second.

Boys top 10 runners 1. Blake Theroux ( Western Branch ) 15:39 at Southeastern District meet (season-best 15:33 is No. 3 in state)

2. Drew Paisley ( Ocean Lakes ) 15:34 at MileStat.com Invitational

3. Michael Bailey (Greenbrier Christian) 15:43 at MileStat.com Invitational

4. Jordan White ( Great Bridge ) 15:49 at MileStat.com Invitational

5. Brian Davenport (Maury) 16:00 at MileStat.com Invitational

6. Kyle Jacobs ( Western Branch ) 16:10 at Southeastern District meet

7. George Matais ( Western Branch ) 16:14 at Southeastern District meet

8. Jeremy Greenwald (Grassfield) 16:17 Southeastern District meet

9. Aaron Harrison (Grassfield) 16:23, Southeastern District meet

10. Seth Taylor (Grassfield) 16:47, Southeastern District meet.

Boys top 5 teams 1. Grassfield; 2. Western Branch ; 3. Hickory ; 4. Kellam ; 5. Ocean Lakes .

Girls top 10 runners 1. Stephanie Frenchik ( Landstown ) (season-best 18:31 is No. 10 in state

2. Kathlyn Taylor ( Kellam ) 19:21 at Beach District meet

3. Michelle Gray ( Cox )

4. Peri Bowman ( Ocean Lakes ) 19:39 at MileStat.com Invitational

5. McKeena Ledbetter ( Tallwood ) 20:13 at Wolves Rocktoberfest

6. Lizzie Cornell (Princess Anne)

7. Sophie Wolfe ( Norfolk Academy )

8. Carolyn Cunniffe (Grassfield)

9. Owen McMillan ( Norfolk Academy )

10. Natalie Wynn ( Western Branch ).

Girls top 5 teams 1. Grassfield; 2. Ocean Lakes ; 3. Hickory ; 4. Kellam ; 5. Great Bridge .

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Cross country notebook/rankings - Week 5

Several South Hampton Road teams traveled to Charlottesville over the weekend for the Albemarle Invitational.

Great Bridge’s Jordan White finished fourth in the boys race. He covered the 5K course in 15 minutes, 55 seconds. James River’s Ted Richardson won the race in a time of 15:35.

Ocean Lakes’ Drew Paisley finished sixth in 16:04. Teammates Brandon Winters and David Harrison were 55th (17:17) and 61st (17:19), respectively, to help the Dolphins finish 10th overall.

Landstown’s Lawrence Thomas was 69th in 17:24. Great Bridge finished 24th overall.

On the girls side, Landstown’s Stephanie Frenchik placed fourth in a time of 18:38.

Ocean Lakes’ Peri Bowman was 17th in 19:40 and teammates Audrey Baztel was and Savannah Trent were 45th (20:19) and 82nd (21:20), respectively, to help the Dolphins place 14th overall.

In private school, Norfolk Academy’s Chris Bolen ran 17:05 to place third overall and help the Bulldogs place third overall. Sophie Wolfe ran 20:12 to place fourth to help the Bulldogs finish runner-up to Lafayette at a recent meet.

Rankings

(Rankings based on weekly performances from invitationals and district meets)

Boys

Top 10 runners

(Last week's performance)

1. Blake Theroux (Western Branch) season-best 15:33 is No. 2 in state

2. Michael Bailey (Greenbrier Christian)

3. Jordan White (Great Bridge) 15:55 at Albemarle Invitational (5K)

4. Drew Paisley (Ocean Lakes) 16:04 at Albemarle Invitational

5. George Matais (Western Branch)

6. Brian Davenport (Maury)

7. Jeremy Greenwald (Grassfield)

8. Aaron Harrison (Grassfield)

9. Kyle Jacobs (Western Branch)

10. Seth Taylor (Grassfield)

Top 5 teams

1. Grassfield 

2. Western Branch

3. Hickory

4. Kellam

5. Ocean Lakes

Girls

Top 10 runners

(Last week's performance)

1. Stephanie Frenchik (Landstown) 18:38 at Albemarle Invitational, season-best 18:31 is No. 9 in state

2. Peri Bowman (Ocean Lakes) 19:40 at Albemarle Invitational

3. Michelle Gray (Cox)

4. Lizzie Cornell (Princess Anne)

5. Sophie Wolfe (Norfolk Academy)

6. Carolyn Cunniffe (Grassfield)

7. Owen McMillan (Norfolk Academy)

8. Kathlyn Taylor (Kellam)

9. Rachel Kissel (Hickory)

10. Marissa Kunsch (Princess Anne)

Top 5 teams

1. Grassfield

2. Ocean Lakes

3. Hickory

4. Kellam

5. Great Bridge

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Cross country notebook/rankings - Week 4

 Western Branch seventh at North Carolina Meet

Western Branch senior Blake Theroux finished 11th out of 150 runners at the Great American Cross Country Festival in North Carolina over the weekend.

He finished in a time of 15 minutes, 43 seconds.

The Bruins finished seventh overall.

Grassfield boys, girls do well in Northern Virginia

Grassfield finished runner up out of more than 50 teams in the Varsity A Division at the Octoberfest Invitational in Great Meadow, Va.

The Grizzlies scored 146 points. Mountain View ( Stafford ) won the meet with 136.

The Grizzlies were led by Jeremy Greenwald who ran 16:10 to finish eighth overall out of nearly 350 runners. Aaron Harrison was 14th at 16:21.

On the girls side, Grassfield freshman Carolyn Cunniffe ran 19:43 to finish second and help the Grizzlies win the Varsity B Division.

Julia Monti was sixth and Peyton Holm was eighth as Grassfield won with 63 points, which was 66 points better than second place George Mason. 

Boys top 10 runners

1. Blake Theroux ( Western Branch ) 15:43 at Great American Festival, N.C. (5K), season-best 15:33 is No. 2 in state

2. Drew Paisley ( Ocean Lakes ) season-best 15:36 is No. 3 in state

3. Michael Bailey (Greenbrier Christian) 15:39 at Outer Banks Invitational, N.C. (5K)

4. George Matais ( Western Branch ) 15:59 at Great American Festival

5. Brian Davenport (Maury)

6. Jordan White ( Great Bridge )

7. Jeremy Greenwald (Grassfield) 16:10 at Octoberfest Invitational (5K)

8. Aaron Harrison (Grassfield) 16:21 at Octoberfest Invitational

9. Kyle Jacobs ( Western Branch ) 16:29 at Great American Festival

10. Seth Taylor (Grassfield) 16:37 at Octoberfest Invitational

Boys top 5 teams

1. Grassfield

2. Western Branch

3. Hickory

4. Kellam

5. Ocean Lakes.

Girls top 10 runners

1. Stephanie Frenchik ( Landstown ) season-best 18:31 is No. 9 in state

2. Peri Bowman ( Ocean Lakes )

3. Michelle Gray ( Cox )

4. Lizzie Cornell (Princess Anne)

5. Sophie Wolfe ( Norfolk Academy ) 19:36 at Outer Banks Invitational (5K)

6. Carolyn Cunniffe (Grassfield) 19:43 at Octoberfest Invitational (5K)

7. Owen McMillan ( Norfolk Academy ) 19:44 at Outer Banks Invitational (5K)

8. Kathlyn Taylor ( Kellam )

9. Rachel Kissel ( Hickory )

10. Marissa Kunsch (Princess Anne)

Girls top 5 teams 1. Grassfield

2. Ocean Lakes

3. Hickory

4. Kellam

5. Great Bridge.

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Cross country notebook/rankings - Week 3

Chesapeake Invitational

Grassfield High School continues to keep rolling. The Grizzlies swept the boys and girls team titles at the Chesapeake Invitational over the weekend.

The boys, the top-ranked Group AAA team in the state by MileStat, won with 41 points. Jeremy Greenwald led Grassfield placing third. He was followed by Aaron Harrison (5th), Joey Daversa (6th), Seth Taylor (8th), Andrew Atangan (19th), Lee Matheson (30th) and David Quickenbos (32nd).

“I'm pleased with our performance this past weekend,” said Grizzlies coach Pat Banks. “Two of the top five were sick as a dog. Andrew Atangan threw up three time before the race started and Jeremy Greenwald had head cold and congestion yet they sucked it up and got the job done. Harrison, Daversa and Taylor ran well too.

“We are where we should be at this time of the season however there is plenty of room for improvement between now and Nov. 14th. (state meet).”

Hickory was second with 101 points followed by Faquier, Kellam and Great Bridge.

The girls won with 91 points. Hickory was second with 99 followed by Kellam, Faquier and Great Bridge.

The Grizzlies were led by Carolyn Cunniffe who finished fifth overall. Peyton Holm was 11th, followed by Julia Monti (21st), Hannah Gray (23rd), Amanda Cullen (31st), Kelsey Dekker (32nd) and Rachel Greenwald (68th).

Walsingham Academy Invitational

Bishop Sullivan’s Colleen Schrader set a new meet record of 19:20.6 at the Walsingham Academy Invitational last Thursday at Eastern State Hospital. The old meet record was 19:30 held by Greenbrier Christian’s Susan Gibbs.

Norfolk Collegiate’s Debby Abramov was third and Norfolk Christian’s Bethany Barclay was fifth.

Schrader also competed at the Maymont McDonald’s Invitational in Richmond where she finished third in the Private School Division. She ran 20:23 on a very hilly course.

Nansemond-Suffolk’s David Lever won the boys race at the Walsingham Academy Invitational in a time of 16:18. Norfolk Collegiate’s Ryan Lanove was second and Cape Henry’s David Blanchard was third.

Mile.State State rankings

Grassfield is the top-ranked boys Group AAA team. Others teams in the top 25 are No. 5 Western Branch, No. 7 Hickory, No. 14 Ocean Lakes and No. 20 Kellam.

On girls side, Ocean Lakes is No. 18, Grassfield is No. 22 and Hickory is No. 24.

Pilot Rankings

Boys top 10 runners

1. Blake Theroux (Western Branch)

2. Drew Paisley (Ocean Lakes) ran 16:08 at Oatlands Invitational (5K)

3. Michael Bailey (Greenbrier Christian) 16:01.42 at Chesapeake Invitational (5K)

4. George Matais (Western Branch)

5. Brian Davenport (Maury) 16:06 at Chesapeake Inv

6. Jordan White (Great Bridge) 16:07 Chesapeake Inv.

7. Jeremy Greenwald (Grassfield) 16:08 at Chesapeake Inv.

8. Aaron Harrison (Grassfield) 16:27 at Chesapeake Inv.

9. Joey Daversa (Grassfield) 16:38 at Chesapeake Inv.

10. Kyle Jacobs (Western Branch)

Boys top 5 teams

1. Grassfield

2. Western Branch

3. Hickory

4. Kellam

5. Ocean Lakes

Girls top 10 runners

1. Stephanie Frenchik (Landstown) ran 18:31 at Chesapeake Invitational (5K)

2. Peri Bowman (Ocean Lakes)

3. Michelle Gray (Cox) 19:28 at Chesapeake Inv.

4. Lizzie Cornell (Princess Anne) 19:33 Chesapeake Inv.

5. Carolyn Cunniffe (Grassfield) 20:17 at Chesapeake Inv.

6. Kathlyn Taylor (Kellam) 20:24 at Chesapeake Inv.

7. Rachel Kissel (Hickory) 20:26 at Chesapeake Inv.

8. Sophie Wolfe (Norfolk Academy) 20:30 at Chesapeake Inv.

9. Marissa Kunsch (Princess Anne) 20:34 at Chesapeake Inv.

10. Emily Smith (Great Bridge) 20:35 at Chesapeake Inv.

Girls top 5 teams

1. Grassfield

2. Ocean Lakes

3. Hickory

4. Kellam

5. Great Bridge

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Cross country notebook/rankings - Week 2

The Grassfield boys team was hoping for a rematch against Western Branch when the two teams showed up at the William and Mary Invitational on Saturday but it never materialized because the Bruins’ top two runners – Blake Theroux and George Matais – didn’t race.

The Grizzlies, the No. 1 team in the South Hampton Roads, won the meet by placing three runners in the top 10 and five in the top 20. Jeremy Greenwald was fourth in 16:56, followed by Aaron Harrison 5th (17:08), Joe Daversa 8th (17:25), Seth Taylor 14th (17:41), Andrew Atangan 20th (17:54).

It was the second consecutive week the Grizzlies were victorious over the Bruins.

“It’s just another step toward the state meet,” said Grizzlies coach J.P. Banks. “The course was so much better than in previous years, 175 yards longer though. We are taking one meet at a time and not taking anyone for granted. It’s going to be a battle all the way to the state and then the real battle begins.”

Kellam, which placed two in the top 20, including Kyle Corwin at 16th (17:46) was fourth and Western Branch, led by Kyle Jacobs ninth place finish, was sixth. Kellam was 12th and Princess Anne was 14th.

On the girls side, Princess Anne’s Lizzie Cornell ran 20:46 to place fifth overall. The Cavaliers also placed fifth as a team. Kellam, led by Rebecca Trax who placed 19th, was seventh overall.

Bill McGough Invitational

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy took home seven trophies from the Bill McGough Invitational at Peninsula Catholic on Saturday.

The Saints girls junior varsity team was third, led by individual winner Maya Venkataraman. They also got help from Katy Miller, (11th, 26.03) and Christine Comer (13th, 26.05).

The girls varsity team was third led by Katelyn McCracken (19th, 23.20), Meera Venkataraman, Macy Mears, Darcy King, and Emily Neuburg.

The boys junior varsity team was fourth. Matthew Lawrence, a seventh grader, placed 13th overall. The boys varsity team, led by individual winner David Leber, finished seventh.

Another Schrader

Colleen Schrader, the younger sister of four-time Tidewater Conference champion Taryn Schrader, won the Peninsula Catholic Invitational in a time of 20:26.

Boys top 10 runners

1. Blake Theroux (Western Branch)

2. Drew Paisley (Ocean Lakes)

3. George Matais (Western Branch)

4. Jordan White (Great Bridge)

5. Michael Bailey (Greenbrier Christian) ran 16:52 at William and Mary Invitational (5K)

6. Jeremy Greenwald (Grassfield) ran 16:56, W&M Inv.

7. Aaron Harrison (Grassfield) ran 17:08 at W&M Inv.

8. Joey Daversa (Grassfield) ran 17:25, W&M Inv.

9. Kyle Jacobs (Western Branch) ran 17:30, W&M Inv.

10. Brian Davenport (Maury) 17:42, W&M Inv.

Boys top 5 teams

1. Grassfield

2. Western Branch

3. Hickory

4. Ocean Lakes

5. Kellam

Girls top 5 runners

1. Peri Bowman (Ocean Lakes)

2. Stephanie Frenchik (Landstown) ran 19:31 at Beach District meet (5K)

3. Emily Smith (Great Bridge)

4. Lizzie Cornell (Princess Anne) 20:46, W&M Inv.

5. Natalie Wynn (Western Branch) 21:19, W&M Inv

6. Carolyn Cunniffe (Grassfield) 21:34, W&M Inv.

7. Marissa Kunsch (Princess Anne) 21:38, W&M Inv.

8. Rachel Kissel (Hickory)

9. Rebecca Trax (Kellam) 21:53, W&M Inv.

10. Katie Bishop (Western Branch) 21:56, W&M Inv.

Girls top 5 teams

1. Ocean Lakes

2. Grassfield

3. Western Branch

4. Hickory

5. Norfolk Academy

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High School Football: rankings, surprises and Kempsville RB Travis Hughes

The new national rankings have come out and Oscar Smith remained the same in the two major national polls.

The Tigers, who beat Indian River 42-10, are No. 7 in both the ESPN and USA Today polls.

They did drop in three other polls. They fell one spot to sixth in the Rivals.com and to eighth in the National Prep poll. The biggest drop was in the MaxPreps poll where they fell eight spots to No. 25.

Who did Oscar Smith upset for falling that far? 

The Associated Press state poll hasn’t started but MaxPreps released its poll and Oscar Smith is the No. 1 team.

Lake Taylor is No. 9 and Ocean Lakes is No. 14. From the Peninsula, Phoebus is No. 2, Woodside No. 6 and Hampton No. 24.

Who would have thought?

That Green Run would be 0-3. The last time the Stallions started 0-3 was 2006 when they were in the midst of a 12-game losing streak. This week they meet Princess Anne which has lost 13 in a row and been outscored 94-0. The Stallions couldn’t possibly lose again, could they?

That Bayside would be 2-0 and contending for the Beach District title. The Marlins started 2-0 in 2006, 2001, 2000 and 1999. In 2000 and 1999 they finished the season 10-0.

That Booker T. Washington would be 2-0. The Bookers haven’t been 2-0 this decade. 

Norcom rolling 

Norcom is 3-0 for the second consecutive season.

Last season the Greyhounds got off to a fast start but struggled the next two weeks as they dealt with the death of captain Ra-Shawn “Peanut” Finney. He died two weeks after being shot seven times at party.

I’m sure Finney will be on their minds again.

The Greyhounds have a bye this week and host Wilson next Friday in their Eastern District opener.

Thursday’s feature story

Things are turning around at Kempsville.

The Chiefs, who were 7-23 the last three seasons, are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since the 2005 season.

Running back Travis Hughes has helped. He has rushed for nearly 200 yards and two touchdowns this season.

The Chiefs, who are ranked No. 9 in South Hampton Roads this week, have a big test tonight when they host second-ranked Ocean Lakes in a huge Beach District match-up.

The Dolphins (3-0) are the defending district champions and have won 15 consecutive regular-season games.

Tomorrow’s feature story is on Hughes who has more than 40 Division I offers.

Here’s what Hughes and his family had to say.

HUGHES ON HIS BROTHER, TRENTON, WHO PLAYS AT MARYLAND:

“Me and my brother are two different kinds of football players. I’m a little bit more angry. He’s more hyped up. I’m serious and more physical.”

HUGHES ON STAYING HUMBLE THROUGH THE RECRUITING PROCESS:

“I’m not a boastful person. I don’t like to hear people talk about what they have. I’m just blessed to have what I have. I’m not going to go in my locker room and tell my teammates that this college or that college wants me because I have other guys on my team who are working just as hard as me.“

TONY HUGHES, TRAVIS' FATHER, ON HIS SON'S ABILITY:

“Trenton was more serious about things and he worked hard. Things just came natural for Travis. He didn’t have to go out there and work as hard. Things just came to him easy.”

TONY HUGHES ON WHY HE TELLS HIS SONS TO STAY HUMBLE:

“If you’re humble about it people will recognize your ability and not for your mouth.”

TRENTON HUGHES, TRAVIS' BROTHER, ON HOW HE KNEW HIS BROTHER WAS GOING TO BE A SPECIAL PLAYER:

“I just see how he played growing up. He always had that fire. He’s always had his own little swagger about himself. He looks up to me and everything but he likes to do things his way. He trips me out sometimes. He can be as good as he wants to be.

Read more about Hughes in The Virginian-Pilot on Thursday.

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Cross country notebook - Week 1

Can you say upset?

That’s what Grassfield did to Western Branch last week when the Grizzlies bunched their top five runners within 33 seconds of each other to win the Newport News Invitational.

They finished with 40 points, while Western Branch had 78.

The Grizzlies came into the season ranked No. 2 behind the heavily-favored Bruins who were not only the top team in South Hampton Roads but also in the state.

“Western Branch has (Blake) Theroux and (George Matais),” said Grizzlies coach J.P. Banks. "So we knew they were tough. But the guys knew they could run with them.”

What the Bruins couldn’t do was place their runners close together like Grassfield.

Jeremy Greenwald came across first in a time of 16 minutes, 2 seconds. He was followed by Aaron Harrison (16:22), Joey Daversa (16:25), Andrew Atangan (16:33) and Seth Taylor (16:35).

“This will definitely help their confidence and give them an incentive to keep working hard,” Banks said. “But we have to keep it up because we’re going to see them every meet the rest of the year.”

Grassfield, which began the season unranked by MileStat.com., jumped to No. 2 in the state. Western Branch dropped from No. 2 to No. 5.

Individually, Theroux is ranked second, Ocean Lakes' Drew Paisley is sixth, Matais is 10th and Great Bridge's Jordan White is 12th.  There are no girls from South Hampton Roads in the individual or team rankings.   

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Remembering Nathan T. Hardee

You can’t think of Deep Creek athletics without also thinking about Nathan T. Hardee.

Hardee, who passed away last month, was the school’s principal since 1972 but he also was the school’s biggest supporter.

Last Friday, Hornet fans gathered at the stadium named after Hardee to watch the school’s first home football game since his death.

For many, it was strange.

“He was just a good guy. He was a Deep Creek guy. He was Deep Creek,” said former Hornets football standout Josh Hyman, who has returned to Deep Creek as an assistant football coach.

“Everybody who lived in the Deep Creek area even if it was for one month knew who Mr. Hardee was. Just to come back to this field is a big symbol. The emotion is great.  And not being able to see him at the stadium when I come here is tough.”

Hyman starred at Deep Creek before going to Virginia Tech on scholarship. After leaving Tech, he was in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams for a little while before getting released.

“Now I’m back giving back to Deep Creek,” Hyman said. “Mr. Hardee would have liked that.”

Hardee loved Deep Creek sports. So much so that he would have a little talk with his coaches - in all sports - before their games.

“He would put his arm around you and tell you, ‘Win or tie, I’m with you,’” said Deep Creek athletic director Benny Polk, who used to coach basketball. “He would say it jokingly but you knew he really wanted to win.

“He was a phenomenal guy. There’s still a lot of emotions and I’m still trying to process the whole thing. He was not only my boss but my friend. “

Hardee won’t be forgotten.

Not only will every team at Deep Creek honor him with a NTH sticker or patch but every football team in the Southeastern District will wear his initials on their helmet.

Hardee’s memory also will remain fresh thanks to three former Deep Creek students.

Mike Glass, Matt Vaughn and Spencer Stanfield designed T-shirts in his honor. They originally made just three but now they can’t keep up with the orders.

On the back it says, “A legend never dies.”

On the front is a picture of Hardee dressed in a suit and wearing a Deep Creek hat. Underneath the photo are the words, “I run DC” short for Deep Creek.

“We wanted to come up with an idea to remember Mr. Hardee," said Glass, "and we thought T-shirts would be a good idea.” said Glass.

Vaughn said it was amazing to see the different age groups that wanted the shirts.

“From like us and younger to the older generation,” he said. “We’re not making a single dime off of them. It’s all going to the Nathan T. Hardee scholarship fund.”

Stanfield, now a student at Christopher Newport University, has known Hardee since the first grade.

“When I heard what happened to Mr. Hardee it was absolute tragic,” he said. “I can still remember the first time I met him. He literally read me a book. He’s been my hero ever since. To see everyone support him it’s amazing.”

Added Glass:

“Mr. Hardee was a great man and he will truly be missed.”

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