Clashes and Course Records at 'Quaid - Full McQuaid Invitational Meet Recap

Note: This may have been one of the most impressive cross country races I've seen in my tenure here at MileSplit. A battle throughout, you had big names battling at the front, breakout performances behind, and an impressive team battle sweeping through.

At the front, you had the States best, fighting it out for the last time in Section 5. Abbey Wheeler and Jessica Lawson know each other well, and know how to execute against each other. But throw in Canadian superstar Shona McCulloch, who qualified for World Youth last summer, and all race plans go out the window. The pace was aggressive from the gun, and at the 1.5 mark, three had emerged from the pack. Jessica Lawson shattered the course record the year prior, but the pace was quicker now. Wheeler was coming off a stellar race at Mansfield, looking to prove it was no fluke. And McCulloch didn't cross countries to come lose. Lawson surged to meet the pair on the downhill approaching 600m to go, but the effort pushed back, causing a minor fade. But Wheeler and McCulloch would neither give in. They came around the final bend shoulder to shoulder. Pushing in every stride, they threw in minor surges in an attempt to break the competition. The lead exchanged until the final 20m, where McCulloch found the last bit of strength to get a half-step lead. The pair collapsed over the line, exhausted from a record breaking performance.

Behind the front three, there were major storylines as well. Katie Munks and Danielle Jordan were battling for team points, and neither were looking to give in. Reilly Seibert steadily moved up the entire race, to finish up front. Sophia Tasselmeyer had a breakout race, and Sammy Watson proved her best efforts were not reserved for the track.

Notes: What a performance here all around. Centerville, OH is a Top 10 nationally ranked squad, coming to McQuaid for the first time due to a hurricane raining out Great American. They looked mighty impressive through the first half, with all 7 girls in the top 20. One would think they would know drop in the national rankings after taking second, but Centerville ran as well as they always have. Shenendehowa simply proved why they were ranked US #6 in the pre-season. The team that tied now US #3 Saratoga last year is returning to form after an early season drop off. The Shen girls had the best second half of any team, making their way through the crowds as individuals. On top, they are still recovering Hannah Reale and Hilary Halpern, who were top contributors last year. They could be a very good team once again.

Behind the top two, East Aurora put on an impressive performance, overtaking Monroe-Woodbury. East Aurora is making major gains throughout the season, and could very well be the fourth NY team to make the Top 22 National Rankings. Monroe-Woodbury didn't have a bad race by any accounts either, proving how strong Cross Country is in NY this year.