St. Vincent-St. Mary senior, Sean O'Brien is looking for a big 2017 XC season.
The Matt Kauffman Memorial 5K race took place this past weekend at Goodyear Metro Park in Akron. This annual event honors the memory of Matt Kauffman; an Ohio State University student who unfortunately passed away during his sophomore year. Kauffman was known as a creative young man and a loyal friend. He also dedicated a great deal of his time to helping individuals with disabilities.
The St. Vincent-St. Mary XC team uses the Matt Kauffman Memorial 5K race to gauge their roster's current level of fitness and to prepare for the season ahead. Many of St. Vincent-St. Mary's current and former team members competed in Saturday's race.
Mick Iacofano took the win on the hilly and demanding course in a time of 16:00. Iacofano was the 2012 OHSAA XC D2 State Champion while competing for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and he is heading into his senior year at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Iacofano competes for the Wildcats in both XC and track.
Mick Iacofano won the Matt Kauffman Memorial 5K race for the 4th year in a row.
St. Vincent-St.Mary's Alex Phillip claimed 2nd place with a 17:09 finishing time. Phillip, who will be a junior this upcoming season, owns a 5K XC PR of 16:05.70 and he was a top 15 finisher at last year's D2 XC Ohio State Championship. Rounding out the top 3 was St. Vincent-St. Mary's Sean O'Brien who clocked a time of 18:05.
St. Vincent-St. Mary's Alex Phillip was the runner-up at the Matt Kauffman Memorial 5K.
Sean O'Brien put forth a strong effort with his pre-season 18:05 performance.
Theresa Hagey was the first female to cross the line, as she posted a result of 20:20. Hagey is an incoming freshman for the St. Vincent-St. Mary's program and she looks to be an athlete who will make an impact right away. Following Hagey, was St. Vincent-St. Mary's veteran Leah Lisle. Lisle, who is a 3200m specialist during the outdoor track season, took 2nd place in the ladies division with her 20:30 effort. Up and coming middle school athlete, Amelia Moll secured 3rd position.
Theresa Hagey looks to be in mid-season form following her 5K race win in 20:20.
Leah Lisle is looking to follow up her outdoor track season with a successful XC campaign.
Amelia Moll is an athlete to watch after her impressive 3rd place performance.
Additional coverage:
Congratulations to all of the athletes who participated in the Matt Kauffman Memorial 5K and thank you to Christian Lisle for providing on site coverage on behalf of MileSplit Ohio.