Newton South racing against clock

Three years ago, seven freshmen dreamed of winning Newton South's first Division 1 state championship. The top-ranked Lions could realize that goal in their last season together.

But before Newton South attempts to capture the title at the All-State meet Nov. 15, the Lions will be among the more than 700 runners representing 209 New England schools today at the McIntyre-Bay State Invitational at Franklin Park.

The performances of seniors Andrew Wortham, Alex Long, John Beck, Cameron Fen, Ben Finch, Marcus Schneider, and Emerson Shui, and junior Yuji Wakimoto have earned the Lions their spot atop the MSTCA coaches' poll.

"This is something that they have been working for since freshman year," said Matt Capstick, who began his Newton South coaching career three years ago.

"They have bonded very well since coming in as a freshman class."

Wortham, the Lions' pace setter, is expected to contend for the individual state title.

"Andrew has had a great year so far," said Capstick. "He put in the summer mileage and workouts and it has shown."

Wakimoto has been right behind Wortham in every race this season, the duo pacing Newton South to a 6-0 record. The Lions won the Small School Division championship at the Ocean State Invitational last Saturday in Warwick, R.I., besting second-place St. John's (Shrewsbury), 113-151. Wortham led Newton South over fourth-ranked St. John's with a sixth-place finish. He covered the 3.1-mile course in 16 minutes 22 seconds.

"Each meet I am looking to improve on different things," said Capstick. "Basically, our approach is to win the Division 1 title, but we have to take it one meet at a time because it is a long season."

Newton South placed fourth in last year's All-State meet.

"Cross-country is one of those sports that on any given day anything can happen," said Capstick. "Hopefully, on the day of the All-State meet, we will execute a solid racing plan that will get us the win."

Brookline, which graduated individual state champion Robert Gibson along with fellow All-Scholastics Michael Burnstein and Elliot Lehane, is still a contender for the Division 1 championship.

Dave Wilson, a favorite to win the individual state championship after finishing second to Gibson last year, anchors the Warriors. Ryan Hardiman, Brendan Grove, and Sam and Lang Pratt-Otto round out the top five for Brookline.

Ninth-ranked Mansfield has depth. Shayne Collins placed second overall in a double dual against Oliver Ames and North Attleboro Tuesday. Patrick McGowan, Kevin Meagher, Patrick Grimes, and Matt Hernon will follow for the Hornets.

Other teams expected to contend for the state championship are St. John's (Shrewsbury), St. John's Prep, Methuen, and Xaverian.

Division 1 girls

In top-ranked Lincoln-Sudbury's 26-29 win over No. 2 Newton South Wednesday, the first five finishers finished only 10 seconds apart.

"When you consider the strength of both teams, in terms of history, this was the best-run dual meet ever run in Massachusetts," said Newton South coach Steve McChesney.

The Warriors took the top two spots on the 2.75-mile course, Andrea Keklak crossing first and Corey Stock second. Lions Kelsey Karys (third), Madeleine Reed (fourth), and Kathy O'Keefe (fifth) followed.

Bridget Dahlberg, Newton South's top runner, was battling illness and placed eighth.

"I know we can run better, but so can they," said L-S coach Henry Phelan. "It is going to come down to who has the better day."

All-Scholastic Megan Barry leads No. 9 Dennis-Yarmouth. Barry recently broke Colleen Wetherbee's junior record at D-Y.

Division 2 boys

With Bobby McShane leading the way to two key victories in two weeks, Bishop Feehan is the team to beat.

A first-place finish in the Ocean State Invitational and a win against Phillips Exeter moved the Shamrocks from third to first in the recent MSTCA coaches' poll. McShane placed first against Exeter and fourth in the Ocean State tourney in 16:43.

Feehan's other top runners are Dave Phipps, Nate Bowditch, Alex Murray, Ethan Loew, Paul Lucas, Joe Germain, and John Cook.

Division 2 All-State meet runner-up Mike Moverman of Oliver Ames appears to be the favorite to capture the individual title this year. Moverman will help his fourth-ranked Tigers compete for the team crown.

Division 2 girls

Bromfield School's Emily Jones is the favorite to capture the title for the third straight year. Bromfield's defense of its third consecutive team title will be difficult with the loss of Liz Lee to graduation.

Hockomock champion Jenna Davidner leads top-ranked Oliver Ames. No. 2 Bishop Feehan is deep and coming off an Ocean State Invitational victory.