Team embarks on retreat to Manresa in hopes of turning season around

By Cory Wyman ’16
THE ROUNDUP

The 2013-2014 cross country season officially began for Brophy with their first event of the year at the Sole Sports Invitational, Sept. 2.

The team has 68 runners on their roster and roughly 35 returning runners.

This no-cut sport includes runners of all abilities and ages this year.

“While this is not where we want to be, this is a good starting point for the season.” said Mr. Matt Williams ’07 after the team placed fifth at the Sole Sports Invitational.

The team has been having voluntary practices since the middle of July. The coaches and runners meet early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.

There are six cross country meets on Brophy’s schedule this year in addition to sectionals and the state finals.

Brophy’s team is lead by head coach Mr. Mike Keahon ’73, plus five assistant coaches, including Mr. Ted Skowron, Mr. Andy Schmidbauer ’88, Mr. Alex Mason ’05, Mr. Steve Smith ’96, and Mr. Williams.

There was a lot of young talent shown at the Sole Sports Invitational.

Gabe Morrison ’17 and Jarred Davidson ’17 both turned in strong performances at the  JV race.

Although he was 39th over all, Luis Torres ’16 turned in the best Brophy performance of the day at 17:08.

Duke Burr ’14, Connor Andreen ’15, Luke Malliard ’15, Stephen Casillas ’15, Andrew Webb ’15, and Jake Ghelfi ’14 rounded out the top seven.

The team’s next meet will be in Prescott Sept. 14, following which the team will go to Manresa for a retreat.

Then, on Sept. 21, the varsity team will travel to San Diego, Calif. for an invitational. Meanwhile, the JV team will be running locally.

“I think the team will be top three in state,” Webb said, “But I am hoping for first place…I am optimistic.”