Photo courtesy of Foot LockerEdward Cheserek, St. Benedict's Prep
A seasoned veteran and a youthful newcomer claimed championships during the 34th annual Foot Locker Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Balboa Park in San Diego, Calif.
Edward Cheserek, a senior from
St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.), became the fourth boys' repeat champion when he crossed the 5,000-meter finish line in 14 minutes, 59 seconds. He got a late start this fall due to emphasis on preparing for the SAT and did not take charge until about the last 400 meters, according to Phil Grove of MileSplit.
On a perfect sun-splashed day, Cheserek was pushed by Sean McGorty of
Chantilly (Va.), who placed second in 15:05. McGorty, who was tenth last year, had run 5,000 meters five times under 15 minutes in previous meets this fall.
Photo courtesy of Foot LockerAnna Rohrer, Mishawaka
Sophomore Anna Rohrer of
Mishawaka (Ind.) captured the girls crown in 17:25 even though she had to make up ground due to a tumble about 300 meters into the race. She is the first non-senior to win Foot Locker since 2007 and stamped herself as a national figure for the next three years.
Second place, at 17:29, went to Catarina Rocha, a senior from
Peabody Veterans Memorial (Peabody, Mass.).