Novi Men's Cross Country Downs Highlanders 24-31
Wildcats looking strong compared to last year's state 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.

The Wildcats defeated the Howell Highlanders 24-31 on Howell's home turf Tuesday afternoon. It was warm. In fact, it was down-right hot at 89 degrees, officially. But the Wildcats performed like it was perfect weather for running.

"Our guys ran much better today than they did last week. Today they RACED! They were very focused, and won the little battles," explained Wildcat Head Coach Robert Smith.

Novi junior Scott Wagner was first across the finish line, followed by a Highlander, Alex Prasad, and another Highlander - all within four seconds. In four meets, the Wildcats have had four different guys come across the line first.

"Nice problem to have," quipped Smith.

Kenny MacDonough broke 18 minutes on Howell's course, and was the fourth Wildcat across the line following Mike Wheat. Josh Lumley, Bobby Watts and Ricky Manza were just behind them and are closing in toward the front of the pack.

Saturday, the Wildcats head to Wixom for the Walled Lake Western Invitational. At this event, the freshmen and sophomores run separately from the junior and seniors, providing a great opportunity to see how the area teams will look in the coming years.

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Editor's Note: Sports reporter Alex Prasad is Captain of the Men's Cross Country Team. As such, he will be contributing to their coverage, but Coach Smith and Scott Olson will be writing the meet reports.