By LESLEY GRAHAM
On Senior Day, the Ocean City High School boys and girls cross country teams outran visiting Egg Harbor Township to sweep the Eagles on Tuesday.
Both the boys and girls teams started simultaneously for the afternoon when normally there is a staggered start — first the boys, followed by the girls.
The girls team, led by second place finisher Grace McAfee, defeated the Eagles, 21-37, while on the boys’ side, senior Owen Ritti helped lead his team to victory, 17-46.
Kiki Schlemo was the overall winner of the girls race for Egg Harbor Township. Ocean City placed four out of the top five runners on both sides.
With cross country, the lower score wins, with the top place finishers receiving one point, then two, three and so on.
With the last home meet of the season, both teams looked to finish strong and honor the seniors who have undoubtedly dealt with adversity over the course of their cross country careers at Ocean City.
Girls Head Coach Trish Henry was happy with how the team ran Tuesday.
“The kids ran hard and we had great competition. That always helps push the girls to run harder and faster,” Henry said. “The conditions were good today too with a strong tailwind on the return beach section of the course.”
She added, “As for the seniors, they have dealt with a lot of adversity, so it was nice to see them enjoy their special day. Throughout their careers, they have been so supportive of their teammates and the program. As a coach, I couldn’t ask for more.”
On the boys side of things, Owen Ritti found himself in the lead as he entered the home stretch of the course, outkicking teammates Nick Scarangelli and Chris Sardy for the top spot. Scarangelli and Sardy finished second and third, respectively.
Matt Purdue, who is in his 14th year as the boys head coach, was pleased with the day.
“We had a solid day on our home course with fast times considering a strong northernly wind. EHT helped push our front pack,” said Purdue. “As for our three seniors — Owen Ritti, Nigel Collins and Reece Wagner — it was a special day for them. Owen won the race and both Nigel and Reece ran their fastest times on the Ocean City cross country course.”
Both Ocean City cross country teams will be gearing up for the postseason with the Cape Atlantic Conference meet at the end of this month, followed by group and state meets.
