Fallsnewspress.com - The beat goes on: Woodridge dominates at Billy Goat

RPC file photo Woodridge senior Vibushan Sivakumaran, shown hear at last year’s state meet, won the individual title at the Billy Goat Challenge Aug. 28 with a time of 17:07.

by Steve Batko

Correspondent

With talk of an unprecedented fifth consecutive state title for the boys and the increased attention on a strong girls squad, it's no wonder the Woodridge cross country team started the season on fire.

"It seems like the 2010 edition of Woodridge Cross Country seems to starting where they left off in 2009," said head coach Jeff Howard after the Billy Goat Challenge at Woodland Park in McDonald.

Woodridge returned with a pair of teams awards, a boys team championship, a girls runner-up effort, and a 1-2 finish by the boys in individual action.

Senior Vibushan Sivakumaran and Drake Sulzer finished 1-2 to lead five Bulldogs in the top 10 at the season opener.

Sivakumaran had a superb race as he posted a winning time of 17:07. The veteran standout edged Sulzer, a junior, who was clocked at 17:23. Sulzer and Sivakumaran beat a trio of McDonald runners who ran third through fifth.

"I thought they both ran great and our team was tested by the home team of McDonald [28-40]," said Howard. "Both teams are pre-season favorites to win state championships in their respective divisions [McDonald is Division III]."

Crestwood was third and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy was fourth for the boys.

In girls action, local rival CVCA will be a state power and in the opener, they edged Woodridge 40-57.

The Lady Bulldogs performed well and bested strong clubs from Crestwood (76), McDonald (101), and Austintown Fitch (184).

"The girls toed the line with the pre-season poll champions in CVCA and a strong Crestwood team," said Howard.

Maria Moore and Morgan Willis led the Bulldogs with top-10 finishes. Great races by Miranda Stockton, Emelie Moeller, Katrina Folk, Angelina Moore, and Madison Spreitzer paced the Dawgs to a runner-up finish to the Royals.

Placing third overall was Maria Moore with a clocking of 19:53.2 while Willis was seventh at 21:03.5. Howard's top four girls runners were seniors as Miranda Stockton was 11th (21:32.9) and Emelie Moeller was 17th (22:24.6).

Freshman Katrina Folk ran 19th in her impressive debut (22:41.5), followed by junior Angelina Moore 25th (22:59.6) and freshman Madison Spreitzer, 26th (23:00.8).

Howard liked his boys' performance and depth against a strong field. "The boys race saw our Bulldogs tested by McDonald," he said.

Sivakumaran and Sulzer finished 1-2 to lead five Bulldogs in the top 10.

Seniors Jacob Onifer and Jimmy Charles ran leg-to-leg as the seventh and eighth runners overall. Their times were 17:47.4 and 17:48.3. Sophomore standout Matt Wojcik was 10th (17:59.6) and capped the scoring for Woodridge.

They had help with junior Jared Cottrill 14th (18:12.9), and senior Nate Volchko was 21st (18:44.8).

"Nate Volchko, Steve Petrak, Steve Frederick, Nick Weiner, and John Harry joined many of our athletes with great races," said Howard, of his team's depth and youth.

Woodridge will compete at the Sept. 11 Bruce Lerch Invitational in Brecksville. On Sept. 18, Woodridge runs at the Boardman Spartan Invitational.

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