Wildcat Men's CC catches
South Lyon Lions 20-43
With yet another dinner on the line, Novi's
veteran coach should be dining well...
10/12/2006 by Robert Smith and Scott Olson

The match-up between the Wildcats and South Lyon Lyons is one of many important meets for the Wildcats each season. As a Kensington Valley Conference foe, the Wildcats harriers travel to "enemy territory" with one major goal in mind... to win.

For the coaches of South Lyon and Novi, however, the meet is much bigger. Dinner is on the line.

The South Lyon Lions are coached by Mr. Scott Smith; the Wildcats by Mr. Robert Smith. For the past 17 seasons the losing coach is supposed to buy dinner for his brother... the "other" Coach Smith.

In 2005 South Lyon defeated Novi for the very first time. You would think that there was some fine dining throughout the previous 16 seasons, but not quite. You see, Coach Scott Smith has only paid his debt twice - at least according to Coach Robert Smith. In fact, Robert Smith notes, "He tried claiming 'double or nothing' after the race last year, but that was not about to pass."

The veteran coach from Novi graciously took one dinner off of the tab that has been incurred by the Lion mentor.

Both varsity cross country programs are highly successful. There are only 9 Division 1 regions across the state. The Smith brothers each claimed a regional championship last year. This year Novi's Coach Smith can also claim dinner... if his brother will ever pay up.

As for the race itself, the Wildcats ran what Coach Robert Smith said was "a perfect team race."

"While being mindful of the talent and tradition of the Lions, our goal was to run together in as big a pack as possible" and still win the meet. I asked the athletes to throw out any ideas of personal and individual records. It has been this pack mentality that has carried us throughout the season, and it will continue to carry us down the home stretch," explained Coach Robert Smith.

In fact, the Wildcats took positions 2 through 10 in the race, and all 9 runners crossed the finish line within one second of one another. Those 9 included Wheat, Lumley, MacDonough, Prasad, Croad, Beard, Butler, Wagner, and Cateriano.

With results like this, one thing is for certain - after a race like this it's the boys who deserve dinner!