National races keep Novi runners busy

In the high school running world there are two national championships (AAU and USATF). The AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) held its annual national competition in Virginia Beach, VA on December 2, 2007. To qualify, athletes had to finish in the top 20 in the state for their respective age groups. Four Novi athletes raced nationally in the Young Men division (ages 17 and 18); while another athlete ran in the Youth Boys race (age 14).

Aaron Croad was the first Wildcat to cross the finish line in the older age group. His time of 16:45 placed him 20th in the nation, and earned him a National AAU finalist medal. Close behind Aaron was former Wildcat Scott Wagner. Scott came in 29th with a time of 17:10. Zach Rothermel came in 42nd in a time of 17:33. Andrew Gonthier rounded out the Novi contingent by coming in 55th in the field of 66. Andrew’s time was 18:36. Chris Vera-Burgos raced later in the day in the Youth division. His time of 13:45 in the 4K race earned him 15th place in the field of 77. Rothermel, Gonthier, and Vera-Burgos all ran personal bests to wrap up their 2007 campaign.

The USATF (USA Track & Field) held it’s Junior Olympic National Championships in Lawrence Kansas on December 8. To qualify for this national race; athletes had to place in the top 25 in the Association (State) level, and then in the top 20 in the Regional level which was held in Springfield, Ohio. Five Novi athletes qualified to advance to the national competition. Josh Lumley ran in the Young Men’s division (ages 17 and 18). His time of 17:40 placed him 72nd in the nation. There were 173 athletes in his race. Dan Egner, Mike Blaszczyk, Geoffrey Giese and Alex Minghine all ran in the Intermediate age division. Egner finished in 63rd place with a time of 17:47. Blaszczyk came in 114th with a time of 18:20. Giese finished in 139th place in a time of 18:46. Minghine ran an 18:48 which placed him 143rd in the field of 231 competitors. Egner and Giese ran for The Edge cross country team while Minghine and Blaszczyk were members of the Detroit Cheetah’s. As a team, The Edge came in 8th in the nation. The Cheetah’s were 12th. Lumley ran unattached.