The RIIL State Cross-Country Championships was everything as expected on Saturday, and perhaps a little more.
Under ideal conditions, Cumberland put an end to a 42-year drought to earn the girls’ team title with 79-116 decision over runner-up La Salle Academy, while Bishop Hendricken survived a nail-biter against the Clippers for their third straight crown with a 63-64 victory.
Individually, Saint Raphael Academy’s Rory Sullivan took control early on Ponaganset’s covered bridge trail to win the girls’ race over a very talented field. Sullivan clocked a big-time PR of 18 minutes, 8.79 for the five-kilometer course. Chariho’s Erin vonHousen (second, 18:18.30) and Pilgrim’s Keaney Bayha (third, 18:27.11) took the next two positions.
Utilizing a patient approach, Cumberland’s Sam Henderson held back in the early stages of the boys’ race and did most of his damage in the second half to take top honors with an all-time best of 15:33.29. Barrington teammates Brandon Piedade (second, 15:47.14) and Myles Napolitano (third, 15:49.89) were the next harriers to cross the line.
Coming soon, Ocean State Running will have race videos of the girls’ and boys’ competiiton, a plethora of photos and a full story (with quotes) of Saturday’s meet.
Click on the links below for results and interviews with our top finishers, winning teams and coaches and more.
