August 22, 2014 @ Tennis Center at Kings Island
Hosted by Moeller
Boys results are here:
Girls results are here:
Preview
Friday Night Lights at the Tennis Center
Its August and schools are starting up again. That signifies
the return of cross country season, and we start off this year again with the
Moeller Primetime Invitational at the Tennis Center at Kings Island on Friday
August 22, 2014. Buckeye Running Company in Mason will be the main sponsor
again this year.
The field should be a deep and talented one again this year,
with St. Xavier leading the way on the boys side. They will be attempting to
win the boys championship for the third year in a row. Other teams that should
be near the top include Beavercreek, Summit Country Day and host team Moeller.
St. X again appears to be the favorite as they will be led by senior Michael
Vitucci, the reigning state champion in the 1600m. Their performance could
hinge on the availability of senior Cole Grabowski, who missed the spring
season with an injury. Brad Eagan should be up at the front as well, after a
strong season where he was part of the state record and national champion 4x800
meter relay team. Other individuals to watch would include Stephen Jones of
Troy (a state qualifier in the 3200m), Mason Moore of Summit Country Day (state
champ in D3 for 1600m), Ben Ewert of Beavercreek (national Junior Olympic 2000m
Steeplechase champ). It should make for a very competitive race for both the
teams and individuals.
On the girls side of things, we have another very strong
field. Annie Heffernan returns to defend her title. She will be trying to win
this race for the third year in a row. St. Ursula was the team champion last
year and they will be going up against a strong field including Beavercreek
(state runner-up as a team last year), Walnut Hills, Ursuline Academy (third at
state as a team last year), and Eaton. Beavercreek comes in as a potential
state championship contender. They return all but one of their top 7 from last
year. On the individual side Heffernan is the overwhelming favorite to win the
title, but she will have a group ready to challenge if she falters. Emma Bryant
(state qualifier 1600m), Catherine Finke (state qualifier 2013), and Olivia Connaughton
(state qualifier 2013) will compete for other podium spots.
The fun starts at 5:30 pm for the junior high races and
concludes with the races under the lights at 8:30 and 9 pm. According to Head
Coach Dave Prenger, roughly 1,800 runners are expected to be in attendance. "If
you want to see a prime time event, come on down to the Primetime
Invitational," he said.