The St. Anthony’s varsity boys’ cross country team took first place at the 46th St. Anthony’s Invitational held at Sunken Meadow State Park on Sept. 30th. All seven athletes finished in the top 15, led by Sophomore Matthew Payamps who won his first varsity race in 16:55. Coach Dearie, head coach of the Friars, said, “Matthew Payamps continues to rise toward the top of the running scene in NY State. After a record setting freshman year, Matt trained hard over the summer and was ready to go in August. His win at the Saint Anthony’s meet is a sign of great things to come for this very talented sophomore.” Coach Dearie has many other runners making tremendous strides as well such as Skip Morrell, Mason Gatewood, Brendan Dearie, Michael Barnett, Philip Polo, Justin Barrett and Captain Sean Vierling.
The St. Anthony’s varsity girls’ cross country team placed sixth overall. Kerrie Bowden was Saint Anthony’s top finisher for the day finishing her race in 22:00. The Saint Anthony’s Varsity Girls Coach Hopkins said that the “rain and wind were not the most ideal conditions” at the Saint Anthony’s Invitational, but that it “is part of the sport of Cross Country” and that her team can “handle anything.” Coach Hopkins said the sixty-one girls on the team “all do an excellent job participating at practice. They are dedicated to cross country and each other.” Coach Hopkins is “looking forward to the next six weeks to see what the team can do.”
The Saint Anthony’s Varsity Girls Team will be heading to the Brown Invitational in Rhode Island and then leagues where Kellenberg will be the biggest competition. Coach Hopkins would like to finish in the top 3 at the CHSAA Champs so the team can qualify for the NYS Federation Championships.
Article written by: Alex Rocco
Alex Rocco is 14 years old and a freshman at St. Anthony’s. He hopes to have a career in Sports Management one day. During his freshman year Alex looks forward to supporting St. Anthony’s Athletes while writing for the St. Anthony’s Friar Scoreboard.