Mustangs` cross country looks strong

The Mustangs drove to Canon School in Concord, North Carolina and took part in the 6th Annual Cannon School Cross Country Meet last Saturday. The result was both disappointing and exciting.
The women were unable to place because two of the Lady Mustangs ran off course.
Mustangs’ head coach Jeremiah Wood was not pleased with his women’s performance, but said his team wasn’t the only one that had some problems.
“It was a disappointing race for the ladies. We definitely feel they could have done better. There were actually a few other teams that had individuals get disqualified because they ran off course as well,” said coach Wood.
The Mustangs were led by Caitlin Haney, Stephanie Tassitino, Celina Rodriguez, Hailey Mahaffey, and Jessica Esparza
The Mustangs men’s team didn’t run into the same problems as the women. Led by Brad Popple, who finished second running an 18.03, the Mustangs were able to garner a second place finish.
Coach Wood was ecstatic with his team’s solid running.
“We really came to the event not knowing what to really expect. This was the largest event that we have attended thus far. There were a lot of good schools with fast runners. The race was definitely challenging with many steep and rolling hills. I was actually hoping for some very good individual times,” he said.
Bishop McGuinness`s Drew Smith finished first with at time of 17:40. Other top finishers for the Mustangs were: Max Hasian (seventh) with a time of 19:05. Jeremy James (thirteenth) with a time of 19:49 Chris Haney (sixteenth) with a time of 20:02. Scoring as the fifth runner for East was Zach Springs who finished 82nd overall with at time of 28:24.
“I was extremely proud of each individuals’ time and performance, which was topped when they were announced and given the second place team trophy finishing behind only Mooresville. It was definitely the icing on the cake. I couldn’t have asked for a better result,” said coach Wood.
The Mustangs competed in the Charlotte relays hosted by UNCC and North Mecklenburg High School. The high schools that attended the meet included Providence Day, North Meck, and East Lincoln.
The East Lincoln women had two teams competing in a 3000 meter race. Caitlin Haney and Celina Rodrigues took seventh overall and Haleigh Mahaffey and Danielle McCall took eleventh overall. Providence day`s Hollenback and Yandle took first.
The Mustang men also had two teams competing in the race. Chris Haney and Brad Popple ran the 6000 meter race with a combined time of 20:03 which gave them second place behind Providence day`s Hay and Woodward who finished with a combined time of 19:59.
East Lincoln also took third place overall for the men`s race. Taking third for East were Max Hasian and Jeremy James who finished with a combined time of 21:01.
“I know it is early, but I am extremely proud of the team and their times,” said coach Wood.
On Sep. 7th, the Mustangs were set to race at North Lincoln. However, due to weather the meet will be made up on September 23rd. Ashbrook, East Gaston, and Hunter Huss will also participate in that meet.
by John Mark Brooks