Joliet Catholic girls win Catholic invite

Updated: September 27, 2011 7:44PM

DAYTON, Ohio — Four members of the Joliet Catholic Academy girls cross country team already had medaled Saturday in the Silver Division race of the Midwest Catholic Championships Invite.

What happened next mattered most.

Francesca Sikorski had fallen trying to navigate one of the obstacles on the 5K course, which was described by observers as “wet and sloppy” because of recent storms.

However, Sikorski picked herself up and finished with a time of 22:20, good for 24th place. While the top 20 individuals earned medals, Sikorski’s determination meant Joliet Catholic took first with 71 team points.

“I think this race really proved to the girls that, ‘Yes, we are this good,’ ” Joliet Catholic co-coach Mindy Izzo said. “I expected us to do well, at least in the top three, but it was good to see the girls starting to realize that.

“The other thing was seeing how the team came together, both the boys and the girls. And then Frankie got hurt during the race but still was able to finish. If not for her effort, we would not have won.”

The Midwest Catholic Championships are separated into Gold and Silver by enrollment. Joliet Catholic’s score topped that of Columbus Bishop Ready (79), Louisville Presentation (86) and Dayton Carroll (98).

For Joliet Catholic, Rachelle Sartori (20:50) took fourth, Moira McSteen (21:04) took sixth, Erin Kennedy (21:47) was 16th and Stephanie Demos (22:11) tied for 20th. Lauren Randich (34th, 23:28) and Emily Egizio (35th, 23:32) rounded out the Angels’ pack.

“The times of our 4-5-6-7 runners have gotten better and better,” Joliet Catholic co-coach Mark Clarke said. “That’s a big benefit to any cross country team at the end because you win races with your depth.

“And looking at the team score, Frankie getting back up and finishing made the difference. She twisted her leg on an obstacle, but to her credit, she got back up. It was a courageous move that won it for us.”

In the boys race, Joliet Catholic was sixth with 160 points. Carroll edged Kentucky Convington 40-46 for the title.

Zach Siegfried (21st, 18:37) missed a medal by one spot and five seconds. Jeremy Adams (26th, 18:55) and Riley Carlson (36th, 19:25) packed together with Siegfried.

Right behind for Joliet Catholic were Luke Warpinski (41st, 19:34), Anthony Salata (51st, 20:03), Sam Couch (58th, 20:22) and Ryan Hippmann (63rd, 21:08).

“The boys gave a strong effort against tough competition,” Clarke said. “Riley ran his best race of the year. Seeing this type of competition should be good for the boys as we get closer to the regional.”

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