City-Catholic League Championships

The cross-country seasons are winding down for the kids and this afternoon was my stepson's last race of the season, our city's City-Catholic League Championships at Cobbs Hill Park. This once proud league is little more than a shell of its former self, with only one "Catholic" school left. My stepson happens to run on the Modified squad for the lone remaining private school, McQuaid Jesuit.

When I was in high school I ran for one of the "City" schools and things probably haven't changed nearly as much as they seemed to have at least in this old dog's eyes. It seemed a much bigger deal back then, but today certainly was a "big deal" for my stepson, and he rose to the occasion.

The pre-race team meetings at the starting line begin.


A few team "run-outs" before settling in at the start.

The race official arrives. This gentleman is actually my old coach from high school. I haven't spoken to him in twenty years, since graduating, and lacked the courage to say anything now. It was, however, good to see that he was well and still involved with the sport locally, although no longer coaching.


And they're off!


My stepson ran his best race of the year, shaving nearly 1:30 off of his previous best on this course, and placing 14th overall!


Tomorrow it's off to my son and daughter's races in the local District Finals. If the weather reports are to be believed, I should probably pack my rain jacket and an umbrella. It's hard to believe the cross-country season is drawing to a close.

Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!