Back to 2007 index Portage InvitationalOctober 6, 2007 Varsity Highlights As the sun beat down on the runners and spectators, it was hard to believe that several years ago, warm coats, gloves, hats, and scarves were the attire of choice during the Portage Invitational. Instead, the temperature and humidity soared to record levels, decimating the field. Dozens of runners were taken off in ambulances, leaving the meet organizers and the coaches with a dilemma. Some teams had traveled hundreds of miles to compete and would be disappointed to leave without that opportunity, but it was finally determined that the Men’s Division One and Two races would take place and then the day would be done. Since there would be no JV race, Pioneer decided to run both an “A” and “B” team. The Pioneer varsity teams found some shade and stretched and warmed up, only to wait some more. After the Division Two men’s race, more runners needed medical assistance, which meant more delay. The Division One race could not begin until an available emergency vehicle returned to the site. Waiting and waiting in the sweltering heat was not a good thing for anyone. But, finally the race started. Sophomore Nick Kern and Senior Charlie Cavell ran a strong race, working together as a team. Nick edged ahead of Charlie at the end, finishing in 12th place, with a time of 16:21.8. Charlie’s time was 16:22.1, putting him in 13th place. These were excellent times under the conditions. Sophomore Nate Karr had another outstanding race, placing 26th in a time of 16:44.8. Seniors Jonathan Henrichs and Taylor DeLuca ran to 38th and 39th place finishes, with times of 16:59.5 and 17:00.3, rounding out the top five Pioneer finishes. Senior David Cogswell ran a solid race, fading a bit at the end, putting him in 46th place, with a time of 17:07.1. Sophomore Andy Sanz-Guerrero came in 100th (darn good in a field of 270!), with a time of 17:49.2. Despite still missing top runner Dan Culbertson, Pioneer walked away with a third place finish in this very competitive meet that featured state and nationally ranked teams. Pinckney was the clear favorite coming into the meet and did take first place, with a score of 93. Saline had 108 points, for a second place finish. With Pioneer’s 128 points, the difference between second and third was not that great. Good job, Pioneer! The varsity “B” team featured a number of first time varsity runners, as well as some seasoned varsity members. Recovering from illness, sophomore Adam Kern hung in there for an 80th place finish with a time of 17:32.1. Sophomore Juan Sanchez ran in his first varsity race and only his second race for Pioneer, placing 118th in a time of 18:04.7, a PR by 28.8 seconds! Good job, Juan! Junior Neil Keicher was close behind, in a 123th place finish, with a time of 18:06.5. Senior Kinshuk Rajan, no stranger to the varsity team, finished 165th in a time of 18:34.5. Sophomore Niko Rombes gained valuable varsity experience for the first time, finishing in 186th place with a time of 18:51.6. Senior Chris Fortson finished 230th in 20:02.1. Sophomore Kevin Chaperon rounded out the “B” team, finishing 234th in a time of 20:12.1. Pioneer “B” came in 26th out of 38 teams. That makes quite a statement about the depth and quality of this team. Outstanding effort by all!Team Results
Place
Team
Points
1st
Pinckney
93
2nd
Saline
108
3rd
Pioneer "A"
128
4th
AA Huron
214
5th
De LaSalle
260
26th
Pioneer "B"
672
38th
Davison
1007
Junior Varsity: Although our JV were disappointed that they had traveled all the way to Portage for "nothing", health and safety must always be the first priority. The post-race celebration of Coach Sleeman's birthday featured homemade goodies and a special blast-from-the-past surprise for Coach, and it did a pretty good job of cheering up the JV before the bus ride home. Portage Course MapVarsity "A" Runners
Place
Name Time
12
Nick Kern 16:21.8
13
Charlie Cavell 16:22.1
26
Nathan Karr 16:44.8
38
Jonathan Henrichs 16:59.5
39
Taylor Deluca 17:00.3
46
David Cogswell 17:07.1
100
Andy Sanz-Guerrero 17:49.2
Varsity "B" Runners
Place
Name Time
80
Adam Kern 17:32.1
118
Juan Sanchez 18:04.7
PR! -29.1 123
Neil Keicher 18:06.5
165
Kinshuk Rajan 18:34.5
186
Niko Rombes 18:51.6
230
Chris Fortson 20:02.1
234
Kevin Chaperon 20:12.1
Updated Oct 8, 2007