It’s August and schools are starting up again. That signifies the return of cross country season, and we start off this year again with the Moeller Primetime Invitational under the lights at the Tennis Center at Kings Island on Friday August 22, 2014. Buckeye Running Company in Mason will be the main sponsor again this year.
The field should be a deep and talented one again this year, with St. Xavier leading the way on the boys side. They will be attempting to win the boys championship for the third year in a row. Other teams that should be near the top include Beavercreek, Summit Country Day and host team Moeller. St. X again appears to be the favorite as they will be led by senior Michael Vitucci, the reigning state champion in the 1600m. Their performance could hinge on the availability of senior Cole Grabowski, who missed the spring season with an injury. Brad Eagan should be up at the front as well, after a strong season where he was part of the state record and national champion 4x800 meter relay team. Other individuals to watch would include Stephen Jones of Troy (a state qualifier in the 3200m), Mason Moore of Summit Country Day (state champ in D3 for 1600m), Ben Ewert of Beavercreek (national Junior Olympic 2000m Steeplechase champ). It should make for a very competitive race for both the teams and individuals.
On the girls side of things, we have another very strong field. Annie Heffernan returns to defend her title. She will be trying to win this race for the third year in a row. St. Ursula was the team champion last year and they will be going up against a strong field including Beavercreek (state runner-up as a team last year), Walnut Hills, Ursuline Academy (third at state as a team last year), and Eaton. Beavercreek comes in as a potential state championship contender. They return all but one of their top 7 from last year. On the individual side Heffernan is the overwhelming favorite to win the title, but she will have a group ready to challenge if she falters. Emma Bryant (state qualifier 1600m), Catherine Finke (state qualifier 2013), and Olivia Connaughton (state qualifier 2013) will compete for other podium spots. (Note: After posting, it was brought to OhioMileSplit's atttention that Olivia Connaughton transferred to Turpin.)
The fun starts at 5:30 pm for the junior high races and concludes with the races under the lights at 8:30 and 9 pm. According to Head Coach Dave Prenger, roughly 1,800 runners are expected to be in attendance. ‘If you want to see a prime time event, come on down to the Primetime Invitational."