Crusaders Cross Country Places First in Meet

cross country swept Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference rivals Beth T'Filoh, Friends, Glenelg Country School and St. John’s in Tuesday's season-opening meet.

Sophomore Jack Hamed, junior Timmy Peters and freshman Ned Moreland took the top three spots, with their teammates capturing the next four.

"Our 35-man team is very young, with over half never having run a 5K before," said coach Keith Culbertson, whose Crusaders were victorious over a group composed of more than 100 runners.

"We proved to be the fastest team on the course. We took the top seven spots," Culbertson said. "We placed all seven runners before any of the other teams' first runners."

Finishing fourth-through-seventh were freshmen Connor Coleman and Kristos KoKinakis, sophomore Chris Acker and senior captain Henry Becker.

"Jack won the race in 18 minutes, 42 seconds, which was a good time on a hot, hilly course. Overall, St. Paul's took 10 of the top 14 spots in the race," said Culbertson.

"We beat all four teams 15 to 50," said Culbertson, "so we are off to a great start and look forward to our invitational meet this Saturday in Pennsylvania."

BACK ON TRACK

After losing its season-opener on a last-second play, the Crusaders  football team put itself back into the victory column with Friday's 47-14 triumph over Western Tech of Baltimore County at CCBC-Catonsville.

Teddy Martinez returned a fumble 10 yards for one touchdown and a 7-0 lead. He  later strengthened the Crusaders lead 33-0 by returning a second half kickoff for 85 yards.

London Fitzhugh caught an interception and totaled 67 rushing yards that included touchdown runs of 1 and 42 yards. Dale Harris ran for 110 yards on 11 carries and a 3-yard touchdown.

A.J. Koikoi's sack caused a fumble that he ran in for another score, but the Wolverines pulled to within 33-14 in the third quarter.

Fitzhugh’s second score as well as a 35-yard run by Andrew Agnone put the game away as the Crusaders improved their record to 1-1.

The Crusaders rebounded from a  which ended with a missed, 47-yard field goal after having led, 7-0, early in the game.

"I thought the Crusaders played with passion this week against Western Tech. We play North Harford High School on Friday night at North Harford," said Coach Paul Bernstorf. "Hopefully, we can continue to improve and play well against a very talented North Harford team this weekend."

SOCCER BLANKS FRIENDS

Ilyias Mirza, Alex Learner and Alex Banotti scored once each, with assists from Leo Hara and Sam Tana as the Crusaders soccer team blanked MIAA B Conference rival Friends School, 3-0, on Friday.

Sophomore keeper Luke Wilhelm made six saves behind freshman defender Alex McGovern, junior defender Andrew Nelson and seniors Gavin Llewellyn and Max Peters.

"They played a major role in keeping the shutout. It was great to see us defend well as a team," said , whose Crusaders are 1-3.

"But the most encouraging thing to see was how well our back four played together," Skelton said. "They did a great job of keeping their shape and being disciplined."

The Crusaders play St. Mary's on Friday.