Saint Mark's Cross Country Team Captures Catholic Conference Championship

Girls win team championship, Herrera wins girls individual, Winnington wins boys individual

 

The Saint Mark’s High School Cross Country Team outshined the competition at this year’s Annual Catholic Conference Championship, sailing past opponents to capture a team championship, two individual championships and a new school record.

The girls team captured the team championship with a score of 22-33-87, topping their nearest opponent by 11 points.  Tiffany Herrera (senior), Stephanie Herrera (senior), and Natalie Donaldson (junior) swept the girls competition with a one-two-three finish. 

“We were so excited to win as a team,” said Stephanie Herrera.  “I knew this race was going to be fast.”

Donaldson stressed the importance of teamwork as she celebrated the win.  “It was exciting to go 1-2-3 at Catholic Conferences. Going into races knowing that you can count on each other and push each other to be the best relieves some stress and makes everything more enjoyable,” she said.  “It’s fun to train together as friends and work hard to achieve our own goals and our team goals.”

 

Tiffany Herrera’s 18:03 finish was the second fastest time in meet history.  She set a new school record AND cinched the girls individual championship, marking her third straight Catholic Conference title.  Stephanie Herrera’s second place finish at 18:30 was the third fastest time in school history.  Donaldson crossed the finish line at 19:06, the fifth fastest time in school history.  

Tiffany and Stephanie, who are identical twins, have been dominating race courses together since their freshman year.  “Coming 1 and 2 with Stephanie was something I’ll never forget. That moment made me realize how lucky I am to have a twin,” said Tiffany.

 

Coach Mike DiGennaro has high praise for his team.  "Winning the Girls' Catholic Conference Championship was one of our team goals to start the season, and we are very proud of the girls team for bringing home the title!” he said.  “We love this end-of-season meet because it's an opportunity to not only run well against excellent opponents, but we also get to honor our seniors.  We compete hard, but then we come together as a community of Catholic schools to recognize our top runners and pay tribute to our seniors.”

The boys team also made an impressive showing, earning second place in the team competition.  Casey Winnington (senior) captured the boys individual championship with a time of 16:50. 

“It felt amazing to cross the line in first place, especially it being my senior year, and senior night,” said Winnington.  “I have never won a cross country race before this, so it was very special my senior year to win the conference championship surrounded by all my teammates.”

DiGennaro said Winnington’s championship run was a career best.  “Casey ran his best race as a Spartan, and he is so worthy of this title because it is a reflection of his hard work and commitment.  He's a true role model on the boys' squad," he said.

President Tom Fertal was eager to congratulate the newly crowned champions.  “As a community we celebrate the dedication and devotion of these exceptional student athletes. Their commitment to their sport and to each other exemplifies the Spartan Spirit,” he said.

With the season almost over, the Spartans have turned their sights to the county and state championships.  Tiffany is the reigning Division 2 girls state champ and will be keen to defend her title.  Both the boys and girls squads will be eyeing up team wins.  To catch the Spartan runners in action, check www.spartanssports.com for a listing of upcoming meets and events.