Welcome Back

Today was the 2nd Annual Alumni Run. As part of this event last year, the new track was officially opened. With the track now being a year old (and full of bubbles), there was a greater focus on the alumni this year. We welcomed guys back from as far as the Class of 1979.

It was a fairly pleasant morning at least compared to the rest of the week. Things got started off with a prayer and blessing by DeSmet President, Fr. Sydney. After this, the alums were introduced to the current team and the alums to the seniors.

Then, former coach, Mr. Sothers, started the 3200m race. The race was Alumni dominated. Their top 5: Connor Callahan (’09, Marquette) who won the race for the second straight year running 9:55; Ethan Stack (’10, SLU) finish 2nd in 9:59; Zach Boyle (’10, Maryville) a Milk Table Hall of Famer; Rob Garwitz (‘05) the new coach, finished 5th; Jordan Mahood (‘07) a close 6th, one second behind Rob. This gave them a score of 17. The current runners had a score of 44. Abernathy finished 4th in 10:15, 40 seconds faster than last year. Next came Hussmann in 10:55 for 8th, followed by Matt OC in 11:01. Waller and Seiler rounded out the top 5. Coach Traughber (‘97) finished in 30th place.

The Callahan Brothers and The O'Connor Brothers

T-Bone and his runners & A runited Wolf-Pack

New this year was the 1600m meter race. Some the Alumni, mostly recent grads, chose this option, and raced against the newcomers and freshmen. Stack took the gold in 5:01. Yes, he did run in the mile race right after the 2 mile. Silver went to Jeff Harvath of the Class of 1998. Running his first mile race since last cross country season because he became a 400/800 specialist, Gibby (‘10) got the bronze in 5:16. Other notables were: the enforcer, Blake Bender (‘10), who was in full Race-Day Black; the dynamic duo of KD & Lang (‘08) finishing right behind each other; and Mike Jezewak who never on the team, but was a volleyball State Champ with Bender.

Gibby and the Enforcer

There was a BBQ afterwards for everyone to hangout and chat, a great chance to meet the former runners and hear the stories of the past. There were stat books that dated way back for everyone to check out and relive past seasons. I had the opportunity to go on a short cool down with a group of alums before this, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s just really cool realizing that we are a part of something greater.

Again, this was an awesome event and I’m already looking forward to next year’s when I’m going to be on the other side.

Quote of the Day: “And now Connor is about to lap his other brother on the far turn”- Coach Russo. There were three Callahans in this year’s race and that will increase in the coming years as the youngest Callahans were there watching.

Best Dressed: If you happened to walk by or for that matter be within eyesight of the DeSmet track Saturday morning you saw one of the most dedicated efforts for the best dressed award. Kevin Abernathy with the Barcelona salmon colored shirts, socks, shorts, AND matching headband. Won the attention of all the participants and the spectators of the DeSmet 2nd annual 2 mile race. This bold dress choice will set a tough standard that will be tough to match throughout the season.
-Best Dressed written by Boyle-