Wildcat's Depth
Minces Mavericks
9/8/2006 by Robert Smith and Scott Olson

Even though this was the opening week of KVC Cross Country dual meet competitions, there was definitely excitement and electricity in the air. Both Milford and Novi have very rich and proud Cross Country traditions.

Last season the Mavericks were 7th in the MHSAA State Finals, while the Wildcats came in 9th. Last season, the Wildcats defeated the Mavericks in a tie-breaker. Both teams have high expectations for this season, and it was evident with the attitude and intensity from the moment the buses pulled up at the majestic Kensington Metro Park course.

Novi's Mike Wheat took command of the race right from the beginning. He jumped out to a 10-yard lead in the first quarter-mile. The gap widened throughout the race, and Wheat won with a nearly 100 yard spread between him and second place. The race for second (and beyond) was quite a bit different. McKeoun and Fueling from Milford battled Novi's Alex Prasad, Kenny MacDonough, and Josh Lumley for the entire 3.1 miles. Both teams seemed to use the same strategy - group, or pack running.

Following Mike Wheat, Milford's top two runners came across the line together, and they were followed almost immediately by MacDonough and Prasad. Lumley was just a few seconds back; followed by a pair of Mavericks and then four tightly packed Wildcats (Mike Beard, Alfredo Cateriano, Scott Wagner, and Aaron Croad).

The superior depth of our Wildcats proved to be the difference in the meet, as Novi placed 8 harriers across the line before Milford's fifth runner hit the tape.

The Wildcats head to Adrian for a cross country relay format this Saturday. Coach Smith plans to give Novi's top 8 runners a break from competition. The rest of our team is ready to defend the program and NHS's reputation

"I am excited to give our young guys valuable varsity experience," explained Head Coach Robert Smith.

The Wildcats then return to action on Tuesday at Cass Benton to take on the Defending Division 1 State Champions.....the Pinckney Pirates. (it's never easy in the KVC!).