Novi Freshman Luke Barnes Qualifies for Junior Olympics
11/23/05 by Scott Olson and Robert Smith
 
Novi High School freshman Lukas Barnes came in second in the USA Track and Field (USATF) Regionals held in Charleston West Virginia last Saturday, qualifying him to enter the Junior Olympics next month.  MORE
 

Top Ten Again!
9th Place Finish at State Finals Gives Novi Men's CC 8th Straight Top Ten Finish
11/7/2005 by Scott Olson   DETAILS
 
For the eighth straight year, the Novi Men's Cross Country Wildcats finished in the top 10 in the state. An amazing accomplishment, especially this year - there were no seniors at the top of the pack. MORE

Champs!
Novi Men's Cross Country Wins Region; on to States
10/31/2005 by Scott Olson


For the second year in a row the Novi Men's Cross Country Team was crowned the Regional Champions at the Michigan High School Athletic Association qualifying meet held at Schoolcraft College on Saturday.  MORE
 

Beating Expectations
Women's CC Team Finishes 3rd at KVC Meet
10/26/2005 by Alex Prasad
Not even Coach Reid of the Women's Varsity Cross Country team saw this coming. Going into the KVC meet, held Monday at Hudson Mills Metro Park, Coach Reid's goal was for the team to finish ahead of Howell and Lakeland. MORE
 

Novi Men's Cross Country 2nd at KVC Meet
Wildcats "run smart and fast" against tough competition
10/24/2005 by Scott Olson
Being a Wildcat Cross Country runner in the Kensington Valley Conference isn't easy. In fact, it's down-right tough. Of the KVC's 8 schools, 7 are ranked in the top 10 or are honorable mentions in Division I this year. Last year at State Finals, it was Pinckney, Milford and Novi in the top four - of the entire state!  MORE

 
Wildcats Defeat Milford Mavericks 28 - 28
Closest match of the season won by a tie-breaker!
10/20/2005 by Scott Olson
At Cass Benton Park in Northville, Novi's home course, the Wildcats edged out the Defending Champion Milford Mavericks 28-28 by winning the tie-breaker in one of the most exciting meets in recent memory.  MORE
 

KVC Rival Milford Too Much For Women's CC
34-21 Loss Gives Team 3-4 KVC Record
10/19/2005
On Tuesday afternoon, the Women's Varsity Cross Country team was defeated by the Milford Mavericks by a final score of 34-21. The Milford women are undefeated on the season. MORE

 
Coach Smith to be Honored
Two halls of fame for Bob Smith
10/14/05  DETAILS
Alma College and South Lyon High School will honor 25-year veteran Novi High School teacher and coach this weekend.

Wildcats Down Hartland Eagles in Style
Wildcats take top 5 slots while setting personal bests
10/14/2005 by Scott Olson
The Wildcat Men's Cross Country team soundly defeated the Hartland Eagles 15-41 on their own turf Tuesday, taking the top five slots. Novi's top runners also each set personal career records at the fast-paced meet.

Finishing on top for Novi was Wheat (16:50), Prasad (16:56), Lumley (16:59),  Barnes (17:05), and Wagner (17:08).  Hartland took slots six through nine, and Novi's MacDonough was tenth overall.

Novi Men's Cross Country 4th at County Meet
Wildcats "getting better every week" says Coach Smith
10/11/2005 by Scott Olson
The Wildcat Men's Cross Country team took 4th place in a field of 42 teams Saturday at the Oakland County Meet at Possum Hollow. The team is "getting better every week. It was a great meet for us," noted veteran Head Coach Robert Smith.  MORE
 

Women's CC Beats South Lyon Handily
Teams Wins 16-47, Takes Places 1-4
10/6/2005
Tuesday afternoon was that of an "Indian summer", though it felt like a "July" summer. With temperatures easily above 90, the Women's Cross Country Team defeated the South Lyon Lions by a convincing score of 16-47.  MORE
 

Novi Cross Country Falls to Lions
Wildcats, Lions each have 2 guys in top 4  
10/5/2005 by Scott Olson and Coach Robert Smith
The Wildcat Men's Cross Country team lost a close one 25-30 to the Lions at South Lyon Tuesday. Although it's a loss for Novi, it was a solid finish with each team having two guys in the top four. That's not too shabby, considering South Lyon is currently the #3 ranked team in the state for Division I Men's Cross Country.  MORE
 

Men's Cross Country Loses a Close One
Brighton wins the only way they could: taking the top 3
9/29/2005 by Scott Olson
The Wildcat Men's Cross Country team lost a close one 26-30 to the Bulldogs at Brighton Wednesday. The only way Brighton could win this one, according to Wildcat Coach Bob Smith, was to take the top three slots. That's exactly what happened, and Novi took the next five.  MORE
 

Girls Win Kermit Ambrose Invitational
Meghan Bannatz, Andrea Kramer Lead Way
9/27/2005 by Alex Prasad
On Saturday, Sept. 24th, the Women's Cross Country team traveled to Royal Oak to run in the Kermit Ambrose Invitational. It was, to say the least, a successful day for the Lady 'Cats. MORE
 

Novi Cross Country Downs Eagles 20-36
15 Wildcats set career bests with impressive style
9/21/05 by Robert Smith
The Men's Cross Country team defeated Lakeland last night 20-36. Although Lakeland had the first runner across the line, our 'Cats took places 2 through 6 to seal the deal. Those runners were: Mike Wheat, Alex Prasad, Scott Wagner, Josh Lumley, and Kenny MacDonough. Lukas Barnes beat Lakelands' 5th runner to also contribute to the scoring differential.

15 of our guys set career bests yesterday! Way to run 'Cats! Our next meet is against Brighton next Wednesday.
 

Alex Prasad Provides a Running Report
9/20/05  Detroit Free Press

 
Wildcats Dominate WLW Invitational
Wildcats looking strong today, and for the future too!
9/19/2005 by Scott Olson
The Walled Lake Western Invitational is something the Novi Wildcats look forward to every year. For six years in a row, Novi has taken as least one of the two top slots: freshmen/sophomore and junior/senior. Last year, Novi won both classes. This year was no exception, as the Cats again came home with first place honors in both classes. MORE

 
Striving to Keep Pace in Season of Changes
9/16/05  Detroit Free Press
 

Girl's C.C. Loses by 1 Point!
27-28 Loss Lessened By Great U of D Race
9/14/2005 by Alex Prasad
The past five days have been a roller coaster for the Novi Women's Cross Country team. Their saga started out on Saturday at the University of Detroit Invite. MORE
 

Wildcats Down Howell Highlanders 24-31
Novi looking strong compared to last year's leaders
9/12/2005 by Scott Olson
Last week the Wildcat Men's Cross Country team lost to last year's #2 ranked team in the state. This week the Cats defeated the #13 ranked team. That puts Novi where they usually are - in the top ten in the State of Michigan. MORE

 
Cats Compete in U of D Titan Invitational
9/12/2005 by Scott Olson

Always the strategist, Coach Smith decided to rest his 'top eight' runners for Saturday's University of Detroit Jesuit Titan Invitational. The meet was not team scored.  MORE
 

Wildcats Fall to Pinckney Pirates 43-17
Last year's state runner-up team catches Cats
9/8/2005 by Scott Olson 
The Pinckney Pirates were state runners-up last season, and they are looking strong again this year. The Pirates caught the Wildcats 43-17 Tuesday at Hudson Mills in a meet that was closer than the score indicates. At the half way point, it was anyone's race as 3 Pirates and 3 Wildcats were right alongside each other. MORE
 

Women's Cross Country Downs Pirates
21-37 Win Gives Lady 'Cats 1-0 KVC Record
9/8/2005 by Alex Prasad
On Wednesday, the Novi Wildcats Women's Cross Country team defeated the Pinckney Pirates by a score of 21-37. On an day that saw temperatures near 90 degrees, MORE

Novi Men's CC Defeats Northville
Alex Prasad finishes first for Wildcats
8/23/2005
 
At the first Cross Country meet of the season at Cass Benton Park, Novi soundly defeated the Mustangs and Livonia Stevenson 24 - 46 - 60. This is the sixth year in a row the Wildcats defeated Northville on opening day.

Junior Alex Prasad was the first Wildcat across the line, followed by junior Scott Wagner and sophomore Josh Lumley. Rounding out the top ten overall were Kenny MacDonough and freshman Luke Barnes - all underclassmen leading the Wildcats to their first victory of the season.

"We may have graduated the farm, but our farm club is major league," quipped veteran Head Coach Robert Smith following the meet. This is Smith's 26th year coaching the Wildcats.

Novi next looks to sink the Pirates. That meet is set for September 7th at Pinckney, followed by the Titan Invitational back at Cass Benton Park on September 10th.

Wildcat Takes 2nd at Nationals
Amol Huprikar #2 at Nationals in Illinois
11/13/04  USA TRACK RESULTS
 
Novi High School Senior Amol Huprikar took took second place, and tied the time of the first place runner at 15:37, in the USATF National Cross Country race at Schaumburg, Illinois over the past weekend. 

Huprikar was second at high school cross country regionals this year (teammate Mark Moore was first), and eighth overall at state finals.  That shows just how competitive Michigan high school cross country is!

Congratulations Amol, just about the fastest high school runner in the USA!
 

Former Wildcat Returns for Big Race
Tim Moore will represent Notre Dame at EMU's
Great Lakes Regional in Ypsilanti this weekend
11/10/04  Detroit Free Press
Former Wildcat and national champion Tim Moore, brother of current Wildcat Mark Moore, will be in the area representing Notre Dame this weekend.  Details in today's Free Press.

 
Novi Takes 4th at State Finals
Moore 3rd, Huprikar 8th; KVC wins!
11/7/04
It was a beautiful fall day for Cross Country State Finals at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Michigan on Saturday. Against the state's best cross country runners,
Novi and the KVC dominated.

The Novi Men's team was fourth overall.  Milford and Pinckney were first and second.  Three KVC teams in the top four state-wide shows this is one tough conference.

Novi's Mark Moore was third overall and the top KVC man, just behind Waterford's Justin Switzer and Brother Rice's John Black.  Amol Huprikar of Novi was eighth overall.

Coach Bob Smith, in his 25th year coaching the Wildcats, finishes the season with yet another impressive record: KVC Champs, 1st place at Regionals, 4th overall in the state, and winner of every conference meet but one -- and that one loss was by only one point to some guys who call themselves Pirates.

The freshmen and sophomores also had a great season, taking first place at both invitationals this season. Look out KVC -- these Cats are coming back strong again next year!
 

Wildcats Ranked #4 in Midwest
Novi moves on to State Finals this weekend
11/4/04  Chelsea Standard
 

Wildcats Win Lakeland 9-10 Invitational
Novi #1 of 13 teams; Wagner, Prasad top runners
11/3/04
The Freshmen and Sophomore Wildcats won the Lakeland Invitational on a wet, windy and cold Election Day -- #1 of 13 teams.  The event is often thought of a window into the next season, and next season is already looking good for these Cats!  Lakeland was second, and Hartland third.

Scott Wagner (17:39) was the first Wildcat across the line.  Alex Prasad (18:13) was the second Cat.  Josh Lumley (18:55), Ricky Manza (18:57) and Ben Foerg (19:05) rounded out the top five.

This next generation of Wildcat will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come!

New in Speaking of Sports
Bernie Fratto writes of CC redefined
10/31/04  Column
 
Don't miss Bernie's column this week!
 

Wildcats Win Regional Meet
Moore, Huprikar - #1 and #2
10/31/04
The Wildcats finished in first place at the big Regional Meet at Schoolcraft College in Livonia Saturday with 31 points.  Churchill (65), Salem (68), Catholic Central (111) and Northville (156) rounded out the top five teams.

On a damp and soggy course, it was Mark Moore (16:20) and Amol Huprikar (16:21) taking the top two slots in a field of 15 teams from across the area.  Spencer Ornes (16:47) and Justin Namm (16:49) were the next two Cats, 7th and 8th overall, ensuring Novi's win with 4 of the top 10 slots on the crowded course. Kip Miller wasn't far behind to take 13th overall.

In the JV race, DuFrense was the top finisher overall.

The Wildcats move on the State Finals next weekend at the MIS Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.

 
Former Wildcat Leads Irish CC
Tim Moore top Irishman as they win Big East
10/29/04  Details
 

It's the State Crown or Bust, says the Freep
Wildcat runners have depth, talent and desire
10/28/04  Details
 

Wildcats are 2004 KVC Champions!
Novi the top team in State's Top Conference
10/25/04
The Novi Wildcats did it -- #1 in the Kensington Valley Conference -- and the KVC is thought by many to be the top conference in the State of Michigan.  Novi took first place with 45 points, followed by Pinckney (58) and Milford (64).  Milford had won the KVC the past three years, and before that it was Novi's title in 2000.

Mark Moore (15:51) was second overall and the first Cat across the line.  Amol Huprikar (16:05) was fifth overall, and Spencer Ornes tenth (16:42).  All three set season personal records.  Justin Namm (16:45) was eleventh overall just behind Ornes.

The Wildcats also proved they are a force to be reckoned with in the coming years, taking four of the top six slots in the JV race.  This included Mark DuFrense, Alex Prasad, Cal DePotter and Scott Wagner.

Novi heads on to Regionals this Saturday.  Race time is 10:30 a.m. at Schoolcraft.  State Finals are November 6th at MIS in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Wildcats Defeat #1 Ranked Milford 27 - 29
Novi is the team to watch out for heading into finals!
10/20/04
The Wildcats traveled to Maverick country Tuesday to take on the state's #1 ranked team and defending state champs - Milford.  In a very impressive team effort, the Cats defeated and humbled the Mavs 27 - 29.

Although Milford took the first slot, Novi's Mark Moore was right on his heels.  Amol Huprikar was 4th overall and the second Cat across the line, but it was the next three Cats who secured the win.  Spencer Ornes, Justin Namm and Bobby Watts took the next three slots, and Kip Miller rounded out the top ten.  Mike Wheat was just seconds behind them.

After the meet, Wildcat Head Coach Robert Smith noted "It was a solid team effort. We have the best 3-7 combination of just about any team around right now."

On Monday, the Cats run in the big KVC meet at Hudson Mills.  Then on Saturday the Cats head to Livonia for Regionals at Schoolcraft College.
 

Milford Has Hands Full Next Week
Novi and Pinckney to challenge Milford's top runners
10/13/04  Ann Arbor News
 

Wildcats Catch Eagles 20-41
Novi rests top guys for coming meets
10/13/04
Still following Wildcat Football's lead, the Wildcats easily defeated the Hartland Eagles 20-41.  It's the third week in a row the Wildcat Men's Cross Country team defeated the same school that football defeated the previous week.

Namm, Wagner, Ornes, DuFrense, Watts and Wheat all finished within 6 seconds of each other, taking 6 of the top 7 slots.

"We just wanted to win, not slaughter them," noted Coach Robert Smith after the meet.  Smith rested Mark Moore and Amol Huprikar for coming competitions.

This weekend the Cats head to Ann Arbor.  The Milford Mavericks are up next Tuesday.  Milford edged out Novi at the County Meet last weekend -- this looks to be a great contest!
 

Milford Edges Out Novi
Novi takes 2nd - of 39 teams
10/12/04
The Wildcats had yet another impressive performance at Saturday's Oakland County Meet, taking second place of 39 teams.  The Milford Mavericks took first.  Novi's top five finishers set personal career records for the tough Kensington course -- Milford's home course.

For Novi, Mark Moore (16:19) was first, and third overall.  Amol Huprikar (16:30) was second for Novi and sixth overall. 

Novi's other top Varsity finishers were Spencer Ornes (16:57), Justin Namm (17:07), Kip Miller (17:15), Bobby Watts (17:21) and Mike Wheat (17:48).

In the JV race, the Cats were incredibly strong.  Scott Wager (18:11) took first, Cal DuFrense (18:16) second, and Alex Prasad (18:19) third overall.  With so many schools in the running -- that is a very respectable finish for this next generation of Wildcat. 

Coach Smith, ever the race statistician and strategist, noted after the meet that Novi also won the JV race against the entire field of 38 other teams - even if they combined their scores!  That is down-right amazing.

Wildcats Catch Lions 15-49
Novi takes 7 of top 10 slots vs. South Lyon
10/6/04
Wildcat Cross Country is following the football team's lead this season.  One week after the Cats devastated the Bulldogs, Cross Country did the same thing.  Last Friday, football decimated South Lyon.  This week, Cross Country cleaned-up, easily outdistancing the Lions 15-49 on their own turf.

Amol Huprikar lead the Wildcats to victory, but five other Cats all came across the finish line within two seconds of him.  Bobby Watts was impressive, setting his own personal career record on Hurpikar's heels.  Ornes, Miller, Namm, and Moore were all within a second of him.  South Lyon's top runner was stuck 6 seconds behind the Cat pack.

The Cats are resting and practicing this week, getting ready for the big Oakland County meet this Saturday at Kensington Metropark.

Wildcats Put the Dogs in the Pound 16-47
Novi takes 7 of the top 8 slots vs. Brighton!
9/28/04
Brighton was devastated last week when Wildcat Football soundly defeated them. Yesterday, it was the Cross Country team that really put the Dogs in the pound. Novi's guys took 7 of the top 8 slots in a strong team effort to claim victory at Cass Benton Park in Northville, Novi's home course, with a score of 16-47.

Senior Mark Moore and Amol Huprikar lead the way, both coming in with an impressive time of 16:32.  Justin Namm (16:46) and Kip Miller (16:50) took the third and fourth slots.

Brighton's Shortt was next (17:00), followed by Cats Spencer Ornes (17:11), Bobby Watts (17:16), and Mike Wheat (17:20) -- all in the top ten.  7 of Novi's 8 top runners also set personal records for the season at the meet.

The Wildcats have come in first in all but one meet this season - a one point loss to the Pinckney Pirates.  They have a few days off before a dual-meet with South Lyon next week.

 
Wildcats Down Eagles 20 - 35
Novi invades Lakeland's nest -- wins big
9/22/04
The Wildcats visited the Eagles nest Tuesday afternoon, and came home with a big win.  Novi won the meet 20 - 35, with Mark Moore, Amol Huprikar and Justin Namm taking the top three spots.  Although each team had 5 guys in the top 10, Lakeland just couldn't match Novi's fastest guys.

Next up for the Cross Country Cats, Novi takes on Brighton at Cass Benton Park in Northville next Tuesday.  This looks to be a great match-up.

 
Cats Rule Spartan Invite
Novi first - of 27 teams!
9/20/04
The way Novi's Men's Cross Country team ran at East Lansing Saturday, you'd think it was a college team.  The Wildcats dominated the Spartan Invitational, finishing in first place -- of 27 teams. 

Novi finished with 87 points.  Pinckney was second with 105, then Traverse City Central with 180.  The Northville Mustangs had a score of 483, and perennial powerhouse Rockford had 224 points.

Mark Moore was the top Cat, and third overall.  Amol Huprikar, Justin Namm, and Kipp Miller were the next three Wildcats to cross the finish line.  Nearly all of Novi's team set personal records for the season, and several set career records on the fast course.
 

Former Wildcat #1 in Big College Meet
Tim Moore top runner at National Catholic CC Meet
9/20/04  Details

Wildcats Down Highlanders 21-37
Novi takes top two slots with impressive performance
9/15/04
Coming off a big win last weekend at the Walled Lake Invitational, the Novi Wildcat Men's Cross Country team was ready to perform Monday afternoon.  That they did!

The Wildcats decisively downed the Howell Highlanders at Cass Benton Park, 21-37.  Mark Moore and Amol Huprikar came in first and second, 10 seconds apart.  Howell's top guy was 8 seconds behind them.

Under sunny skies and warm, humid conditions that certainly wasn't ideal for a cross-country run, several Cats set personal records for the course.   Those guys are Robert Watts, Mike Wheat, Scott Wagner, Nathan Quay, Pat Lee, Jim Brunner, Robert Cateriano.

Friday, the Wildcats head to Michigan State for the Spartan Invitational at Forest Akers.

 
Wildcats #1 at Walled Lake Invitational
Novi takes first in both events!
9/12/04
The Wildcats were a force to be reckoned with at Thursday's Walled Lake Western Invitational.  Under near ideal sunny skies at 65-degrees, Novi took first place in both the Freshman / Sophomore and Junior / Senior events -- of eight schools!  Novi's score was 42 overall.  Walled Lake Central was second with 57 points, and Walled Lake Western third with 93 points.

In the Junior / Senior event, Mark Moore and Amol Huprikar took first and second overall.  Spencer Orens was fifth.

In the Freshman / Sophomore event, the Wildcats were also very impressive.  Kip Miller was second overall, followed by Alex Prasad, Scott Wager, and Mike Wheat (sixth, seventh, and eighth).  Wagner had a season personal-best.

Looks like, once again, the Wildcats have some excellent talent for the coming years!  Watch out KVC! 

Pirates Catch Cats in Close Meet
Novi falls to Pinckney 27 - 28
9/10/04
The Pirates came across the finish line first and second, but the Wildcats took positions two, three, six, seven and eight to make it a tight contest.  Those top finishers for Novi were Mark Moore, Amol Huprikar, Justin Namm, Kip Miller, and Spencer Ornes.  Interestingly, every guy set a new personal course record at the meeting for the season!

 

Cats Catch Mustangs 15-48
Great start for Coach Smith's 25th season
8/29/04
It was a warm and humid 88 degrees Thursday afternoon at Wayne County's Cass-Benton Park, but that didn't slow down these Cats!  Novi overwhelmed the Northville Mustangs in the season opener, taking the first 6 slots and 7 of the top 10 slots for an impressive victory.

The Cats were lead by Mark Moore, Spencer Orens, Amol Huprikar, Kip Miller, Justin Namm, and Mark DuFrense.  Sophomore Alex Prasad set a personal record on the first race of the year, with just two Northville runners ahead of him.

This is Coach Smith's 25th year as a Wildcat.  Don't miss his story this month in Profile Novi, and don't miss Mr. Fannon's great pictures from the meet on the Photo Page.

Wildcat Cross Country -- Join the Tradition!
Sign up for the Fall 2004 season today!
6/3/2004
Novi Wildcat Cross Country has a long tradition of excellence.  Runners have competed at the state, national, and even world level through this program.  Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of this tradition!

Coach Smith is asking all prospective 2004 Cross Country Team Members to please contact him as soon as possible. He would like to establish e-mail distribution groups so that he can keep the team informed throughout the summer. There is also paperwork that he would like to distribute before school is out for the summer.

There is no experience necessary to join the Cross Country Team. You must simply be willing to try your best every day, and be willing to run some miles over the summer.

Join the Wildcat Cross Country Team, and become part of the tradition.  Please contact Coach Smith at rsmith@novi.k12.mi.us.

Wildcat CC 7th in State
6th straight year for a top-10 finish
11/2/03
The Novi Men's Cross Country Team finished 7th at state finals at the MIS Speedway in Brooklyn Michigan Saturday.  It's the sixth straight year for a top-10 finish for the Cats.

Running for Novi were Mark Moore, Amol Huprikar, Eric Joseph, Spencer Ornes, Scott Bergeson, Kip Miller, and Nick Preketes.  6 of the 7 set personal best times at the meet.  Moore and Huprikar received All-State Honors; the seventh year in a row Novi has had an All-State runner at the event.

 
Novi Men's CC Heading to States
6th year in a row for State Finals
10/26/03
For the sixth straight year, Novi Men's Cross Country is heading to state finals.  In some very wet and soggy conditions Saturday at Clarkston, Novi's runners competed with the best in the region, and took 2nd place of 17 teams to powerhouse Milford.  Six KVC teams made the top ten in the region, showing the continuing competitiveness of the region. Milford is ranked third  -- in the nation.

Novi's Mark Moore was the first Wildcat to cross the line, 5th overall, with a time of 15:57.  Amol Huprikar was second for Novi at 16:08 - a personal best.  Erik Joseph was third at 16:30, and Spencer Ornes fourth at 16:50.
 

Novi Cross Country Takes 2nd at KVC Meet
"We're ready for Saturday," says Coach Smith
10/21/03
Novi Men's Cross Country came in second Monday at the Kensington Valley Conference Meet.  It was 65, windy and dry at Hudson Mills Metropark Monday, and the Cats ran well.  Mark Moore was the top Cat, third overall, with a time of 16:01. He was closely followed by Amol Huprikar and Eric Joseph.  It was a personal record for Huprikar. Cross Country powerhouse Milford took first place at the annual meet.

"We are ready for Saturday," noted veteran head coach Robert Smith after the meet, referring to Regionals.  Clintwood Park, on Clarkston Road in Clarkston, is the site of Regionals this year. The Cats run at 11:45 a.m. Saturday.

Former Cat Top Runner for Notre Dame
Moore top "Irish" finisher in pre-national meet
10/19/03  Notre Dame Athletics
Former Wildcat Tim Moore ('02) was the first Notre Dame runner across the finish line at the Pre-National Meet in Waterloo, Iowa.  His time of 23:55 placed him 16th overall.  Last year Moore was 22nd in the event.  Tim is Mark Moore's older brother.

Another runner who Moore is familiar with took first place in the event.  Dathan Ritzenhein ('01, now running for Colorado) of Rockford, Michigan took first place at the state cross country meet in 2000.  Moore, a junior at the time, was third in that race, bested by teammate Chris Toloff. 

KVC Meet Time and Place - Confirmed
10/15/03
The 2003 KVC Cross Country League Meet will be held at Hudson Mills Metro Park (near Pinckney) on Monday, October 20, 2003.  Boys Varsity race at 4:00 pm, Boys JV race at 5:00, and Awards at 6:00.
  ~ Coach Smith
 

Wildcat Cross Country Sinks Pirates
Novi's "Boys of October" peaking at the right time
10/15/03
The Novi Wildcat Men's Cross Country Team sunk the Pinckney Pirates 24 - 32 Tuesday on a rain-soaked Hudson Mills course, with the Cats taking three of the top four slots.  Mark Moore was first across, followed by Eric Joseph and Amol Huprikar. 

Joseph and Huprikar set personal bests -- an amazing feat considering the poor conditions Tuesday.  Spencer Ornes also set a season-best performance, as did senior Nick Preketes. 

"Our guys are showing that they are ready for the challenges coming up.  We are indeed an October team," noted veteran head coach Robert Smith after the meet.  Smith also noted that "Freshman Kip Miller's time of 18:12 demonstrated a gritty will-to-win."
 

Mavericks Outrun Wildcats at Cass Benton
Novi's Mark Moore first individually; 9 personal records
10/8/03
The Milford Mavericks defeated the Wildcats 20-42 Tuesday afternoon at Cass Benton Park, but it was Novi's Mark Moore coming across the finish line first with a personal career record on the course. Eight other Wildcats also finished the race with personal and career bests on the course, showing the speed and depth of Milford's squad this season. 

Novi 10th of 41 at Oakland County Meet
Moore takes 9th place; KVC dominates at Possum Hollow
10/5/03
The Wildcats finished 10th in a field of 41 teams at Saturday's annual Oakland County Meet at Possum Hollow Kensington Metro Park.  Mark Moore was the Top Cat, taking 9th overall with a time of 16:44.  He was closely followed by Amol Huprikar, Spencer Ornes, Eric Tingwall and Scott Burgeson.  Moore, Tingwall and Bergeson all set personal career records on the course.

As usual, the Kensington Valley Conference dominated the event.  Milford took first place, and Milford's Seth Thibodeau took first individually at 16:00.  Dan DeRusha of Milford took third at 16:18.
 

Wildcat Men's Cross Country Catches Lions
Novi takes top three slots to win meet Tuesday
9/24/03
The Wildcat Men's Cross Country Team took the first three positions to defeat the South Lyon Lions on Novi's Cass Benton home course Tuesday afternoon.  Coming in as Top Cats were Mark Moore, Eric Joseph and Amol Huprikar.  Spencer Ornes and Justin Namm also had good runs, taking the next two slots for the Cats.  Huprikar and Namm set personal records at the meet.
 

Wildcat Cross Country Decimates Bulldogs
Novi takes 1-2-3-4-5 in big win over rival Brighton
9/17/03
The Wildcat Men's Cross Country team decimated the Brighton Bulldogs Tuesday, taking all five top positions.  Novi's pack of five was nearly a minute ahead of Brighton's -- on Brighton's home course.  "It was sweet," veteran Coach Bob Smith said after the meet.

Eric Joseph and Mark Moore finished first and second, coming across the line the same time.  They were followed thirty seconds later by Spencer Ornes, Amol Huprikar, and Justin Namm.  Brighton managed to get a couple guys across the line before Scott Bergeson, setting a personal record, took the next slot.

Wildcat Cross Country Takes First
Novi Men's CC 1st of 14 schools at WLW Invitational
9/14/03
The Wildcat Men's Cross Country team was firing on all cylinders Saturday, as the Juniors and Seniors dominated a field of 14 schools at Walled Lake Western Invitational.  Novi Junior Mark Moore was Top Cat, followed closely by Eric Joseph, Amol Huprikar and Spencer Ornes.  The Freshmen and Sophomores also fared well, taking third overall.
 

Spartans Count on Former Wildcat
Chris Toloff running strong for Michigan State
9/12/03  MSU News
Chris Toloff (2001) is running strong, and a key member of the Michigan State University's cross country team again this season.  Toloff, now an undeclared junior at MSU, was a state-level runner in cross country and track teams in his four years at Novi High School, and provided some solid competition for Novi's national champion runner Tim Moore (2002), who is running for Notre Dame again this season.
 

Wildcats Edged Out by Highlanders 27 - 28
Novi loses a close one at Howell
9/8/03
The Wildcats lost a close one to the Highlanders at Howell Thursday afternoon 27 - 28.  Novi's Mark Moore and Eric Joseph claimed the top two slots, but Howell managed to sneak in to positions 3, 4, and 5 to edge out Novi by just one point.
 

Oakland Press Season Preview
Oak calls Novi the "dark horse" of the KVC
8/25/03  Oakland Press
The Oakland Press provide a cross country season preview in today's edition.  They call Novi the "dark horse" of the Kensington valley Conference, and say that Mark Moore will be nipping at Milford's heals.
 

Wildcats Outpace Mustangs in First Meet
Novi wins Baseline Battle 20 - 36; 4th year in a row
8/23/03
The Novi Wildcats soundly defeated their cross-Baseline rivals, the Northville Mustangs, at Cass-Benton Park on Wednesday.  Novi's top three runners, Eric Joseph, Mark Moore and Amol Huprikar finished together with a time of 17:45 -- well ahead of Northville's "pack."

This is the fourth year in a row the Wildcats soundly defeated Northville to start the season -- and that's as far back as our records go.

Calling All Interested Runners
Join Michigan's premiere cross country program
6/4/03
Anyone who wishes to join the Cross Country Team at Novi High School next fall (August 2003) is requested to contact Coach Robert Smith at rsmith@novi.k12.mi.us.   

No experience is necessary. This request is for new athletes who did not attend the organizational meeting at the high school in late May or for current 8th graders did not receive a mailing.  New 9th graders (who received a mailing from Coach Smith) are requested to mail back their commitment form to him as soon as possible.

Don't miss this outstanding educational opportunity to join of the states premiere cross country programs.  Remember -- you too could achieve greatness like Tim Moore...
 

Novi's Tim Moore to Compete in Switzerland
National Champion runner to represent United States
2/17/03  UND News
For the second time in as many years, Novi's Tim Moore will be representing the United States in an international running event.  Moore, a freshman at Notre Dame and 2002 graduate of Novi High School, will travel to Switzerland next month to compete in the International Association of Athletics Federations World Cross Country Championships.  He qualified for the event qualified over the past weekend with strong performances in Houston at the USA Cross Country Championships.  Last year, as a high school senior, Moore traveled to Ireland to compete in a world event.

Novi Sophomore Makes All-Metro CC Team
Wildcat Mark Moore is fastest sophomore in State
12/10/02
Today's Detroit News names Novi Wildcat Sophomore Mark Moore to their All-Metro Cross Country Team, noting his outstanding performance at the state meet.  Moore took 8th overall, and was the fastest sophomore in the state at finals.
 

Two Wildcats Named to All-County CC Team
KVC well represented, taking 6 of 10 county places
12/3/02
Wildcat Senior Brian Gilchrist and Sophomore Mark Moore were named to the All-County Men's Cross Country Team by the Oakland Press today.  Honorable mentions went to Tim Kava and Eric Joseph.  In addition, four other KVC runners were named to the team of ten, making it quite clear that the conference is indeed the toughest in the region, if not the state.
 

Former Wildcat Runners Excel at College
Chris Toloff and Tim Moore will compete in nationals
11/20/02
Former Wildcats Chris Toloff (2001) and Tim Moore (2002) will compete at the NCAA National Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, Indiana next Monday, November 25.  Both were first at their schools, Toloff at MSU and Moore at Notre Dame, and both ran Cross Country and Track at Novi High School.
 

Wildcat Cross County Takes 3rd in States
Mark Moore Top Cat at 15:47, and top sophomore in state
11/3/02  Photos
For the fifth year in a row, the Wildcat Men's Cross Country Team made it to states, and once again did quite well.  The Cats finished third behind state powerhouse Rockford and the #1 ranked Milford Mavericks.  All seven of Novi's runners set personal records at the state meet.

Novi's Mark Moore was 8th overall in the state with a time of 15:47.  He was also the fastest sophomore in the state.  Senior Brian Gilchrist was 19th overall and second Cat in at 15:55.  Both received All State honors, and this was the first time either ran in the "15's" this season.

The other Wildcats running for Novi at the MIS International Speedway in Brooklyn Saturday were Tim Kava (16:18), Eric Joseph (16:21), Spencer Orens (16:37), Amol Huprikar (16:48) and Mike Pitcher (17:27).

Coach Smith noted that the team exceed all of his expectations, and that "they will also go down as one of the best CC teams Novi has ever produced."
 

Wildcat Cross Country -- Tough Conference
KVC runners took 9 of top 10 slots at regionals
11/1/02  Detroit News
The Kensington Valley Conference is one tough cross country conference.  Nine of the Top Ten slots at regionals were filled by KVC runners -- and that regional is made up of sixteen teams from the metro-area.  State finals are tomorrow in Brooklyn Michigan.  Look for #1 ranked Milford to put up a tough fight, and for the Novi Wildcats to give them some tough competition.

Wildcat Men's CC Heading to States
Novi takes 2nd behind Milford; Mark Moore 1st in for Novi
10/27/02  Photos
For the fifth year in a row, the Wildcat Men's Cross Country Team qualified for State Finals. At Springfield Oaks in Holly, the Cats took 2nd of 16 teams behind #1 ranked Milford.  The top three teams at each regional qualify for State Finals, as well as the top 15 individuals.  

Milford's Dan DeRusha finished first overall at 15:55. Mark Moore was first for Novi and 4th overall with a time of 16:26. Brian Gilchrist was 5th overall and 2nd for Novi just two seconds behind Moore. Eric Joseph was third (16:43) and Tim Kava was 4th (16:51). In the JV race, Scott Bergeson was 6th overall and first for Novi with a time of 18:18.

Also from the KVC, Lakeland was 3rd, Brighton 5th, Pinckney 7th, Howell 9th, South Lyon 10th, and Hartland 14th.

Former Wildcat Big Ten Athlete of the Week
Chris Toloff running strong for Michigan State
10/24/02  Bigten.org
2001 Novi High School alum Chris Toloff was named Big Ten Athlete of the Week.  Toloff is running Cross Country for Michigan State, and recently came in 5th overall at the Asics/Pacesetter Pre-National in Terre Haute, Indiana.  Toloff ran Cross Country at Novi High School, and was a record-setter then too.
 

Novi Takes 2nd at KVC Meet
Milford on a roll toward state finals
10/22/02
The Wildcats meet at Kensington Metro Park Monday afternoon for the annual KVC meet, and took second behind this year's state powerhouse Milford.  Mark Moore ran a personal best to beat Brian Gilchrist by one second and took first place for Novi.  They were followed closely by Tim Kava, Spencer Orens and Eric Joseph.  Orens also ran a personal best.
 

Coach Smith Highlighted
Novi's own Ernie Harwell
10/17/02
There is an article about Coach Smith on today's Opinion Page of www.novi.org.

Wildcat Men's Cross County Sinks Pirates
Novi's team is undefeated on home course this season
10/16/02
The Novi Wildcat Men's Cross Country team defeated the Pinckney Pirates 18-42 Tuesday to finish the season undefeated at home.  Novi took 6 of the top 7 positions.  Brian Gilchrist was 1st overall, and Mark Moore was second and ran a personal best time for the course, and season.  Eric Joseph has third Cat, and also set a personal best.
 

Wildcat Men's Cross Country Falls to Milford
Mavericks running like state champs already
10/9/02
Looks like it's the Kensington Valley Conference for states again this year, as Milford defeated the Wildcats in Cross Country 21-35.  It's the Cats first loss in a dual-meet this season.  Milford is undefeated. 

Coach Smith says "It is my firm belief that Milford is the best team in the state this year.  If the state meet was today, they would be crowned as the state champion."  Milford took second in states last year, Novi took 10th.

Mark Moore, was the top Cat and second overall with a time of 16:45 -- a personal best.  Senior Brian Gilchrist came in second for the Cats with a time of 17:07 to take 6th overall, followed closely by Eric Joseph.  Senior Tim Kava rounded out the top ten and was the third Cat.  Sophomore Spencer Orens was 11th overall and close behind Novi's top three with a time of 17:32.

Mark Moore is the younger brother of Tim Moore, last year's national champ and a 2002 Novi Wildcat graduate.  Tim is running at Notre Dame (WEBSITE) this season, and is doing very well.

Wildcat Cross Country: 2nd Place in County
For the 5th consecutive year, Men's CC places 1st or 2nd
10/6/02
For the 5th consecutive year, the Novi Wildcats Men's Cross Country Team took 1st or 2nd place in the Oakland County Meet.  That's quite an accomplishment considering there are 41 teams competing.  The Cats took 2nd this year, behind Milford.  It was yet another banner year for the Kensington Valley Conference, and a beautiful day for a fall run at Kensington Metro Park.

Wildcat Senior Brian Gilchrist lead the way with a time of 16:42 for 9th place overall.  Sophomore Mark Moore was 15th overall (16:58), Tim Kava 23rd (17:13), and Eric Joseph 29th (17:15).  Sophomore Spencer Ornes won the Rob Mutch award taking 31st place (of 30 medal positions - 17:19).
 

Former Wildcat Running Solid at MSU
Chris Toloff excels through hard work and dedication
10/5/02  State News
Wildcat alum Chris Toloff, in his second year of college running, continues to excel for Michigan State University's Cross Country Team.  He was the 4th ranked college freshman nationally last season, and in his sophomore year continues to set the pace.  His success is attributed to hard work and dedication.  Sounds like Coach Smith taught him well!
 

Novi Men's Cross Country Out-Runs Eagles
Hartland falls to Novi 20 - 41; Cats remain undefeated
10/2/02
It was a hot and humid early-fall afternoon -- perfect weather for Cats -- as Novi's Men's Cross County Team soundly defeated the Hartland Eagles Tuesday.  They remain undefeated in dual-meets for the season.  The guys ran well together, taking 6 of the top 7 spots.  All 6 came over the finish line with an identical time.

This weekend, the Cats travel to Kensington Metro Park for the annual Oakland County Meet.  Look for Coach Smith's squad to place among the top teams in a field of 45 schools.
 

Wildcat Cross Country Out-Paces Lions
Novi wins big dual-meet 17-40, taking top 4 slots
9/25/02
The Wildcat Men's Cross Country team scored a big win Tuesday evening to remain undefeated in dual-meet action for the season with a 17 - 40 pounding of the South Lyon Lions.  Brian Gilchrist, Tim Kava, Mark Moore and Eric Joseph took the top four slots to guarantee the victory.  20 of 25 Cats set season personal records at the meet.

Men's Cross Country Defeats Brighton 24-32
Wildcats undefeated in dual-meet action this season
9/17/02
Coach Smith's crew ran a defensive race with each runner being assigned to a Bulldog, and the strategy paid off in the end.  Every Wildcat achieved their goal, and the Cats won the meet 24-32.  Senior Brian Gilchrist set the pace and was the lead Cat, followed by Sophomores Mark Moore, Spencer Orens and Amol Huprikar.  All four set personal course records, as did nine other Cats.
 

Wildcat Cross Country Takes 1st and 3rd
Men's team Freshmen and Sophomores take 1st
9/15/02
Showing the the Men's Wildcat Cross Country Team will for a formidable opponent for years to come, the Freshmen and Sophomores took first place Saturday at the Walled Lake Western Invitational.  The Juniors and Seniors took 3rd place overall.  Brother Rice and Walled Lake Western took first in that race.  Wildcat Sophomore Mark Moore took first place in the Freshmen / Sophomore race.
 

Wildcat Cross Country Downs Eagles
Undefeated Novi squad wins dual-meet 23 - 35
9/11/02
The Wildcats remain undefeated as they downed the Lakeland Eagles 23 - 35 at Possum Hollow Picnic Area at Kensington Metro Park.  Brian Gilchrist ran a flawless race, noted Coach Smith.  Mark Moore, Mike Pitcher and Eric Tingwall all set a Kensington Personal Records.

Wildcat Cross Country Outruns Highlanders
Novi takes 7 of top 10 positions, winning 20-43
9/6/02
The Wildcat Men's Cross Country Team ran a smooth, smart race Thursday at Northville's Cass Benton Park, defeating the Howell Highlanders 20 - 43 on a sunny, 82-degree late-summer afternoon.  Tim Kava set the Wildcat pace, followed closely by Brian Gilchrist, Spencer Orens, Mark Moore, Amol Huprikar, Justin Namm, and Mike Pitcher.

Head Coach Robert Smith noted one of the team's objectives is to run together and feed off one another.  He said that worked to perfection Thursday, and it did as 5 Wildcats came across the finish line in one second!
 

Team Roster Updated
Team photos included, more to come soon
8/24/02
The 2002 Team Roster has been updated, along with individual athlete photos.  Click here for the roster.  More photos coming soon to the Photo Gallery.

Novi Men's Cross Country Starts With Win
Novi defeats Northville 22 - 37 at Cass Benton Park
8/22/02
The Wildcat Men's Cross Country Team started the season with a solid 22 - 37 win over Baseline-rival Northville Wednesday afternoon, taking seven of the top ten spots in the competition.  It was a perfect day for the season-opener, with clear skies, light winds, and a temperature of 75 at race time.

With 50% of the team returning from last season, and some surprising new starters, the Wildcats look to be in position for another strong season.  Last year, the Cats took third in some very tough Regionals and Tim Moore finished first at the State Meet.
 

Season Preview in Today's Detroit News
8/20/02
Check out the cross country season preview in today's Detroit News.

Welcome to the 2002 Wildcat Season!
8/6/02
Coach Smith, the student-athletes, parents, and friends welcome you to Wildcat Country!  This website will be continually updated during the season to bring you the latest information on Wildcat Cross Country.  Here are some upcoming dates:
  8/12  First official practice; 8am in the lower locker room.
  8/16  Howell Melon Run; 7pm.
  8/17  Parent Meeting; 1pm on the football field.
  8/17  Team Photos; 3pm on the football field.
  8/21  First meet; 4:30pm vs. Northville; Bus at 3pm.

See the Schedule for a complete list of upcoming dates and the season's meet schedule. 

Click here for 2001 Meet Reports and Team News.