Dave Raucci Returns;
Carolyn Webber Wins Again
Three years ago, 14 year old
David Raucci became the youngest runner ever to win a Snowstorm
Classic. Now 17, the talented Troy Trailblazer hasn’t slowed down
any as he convincingly pulled away from Harriers Carlos Rivera and
Paul Fratini to notch his third career Snowstorm Classic
title.
Seasonable weather (20 degrees)
and conditions (snow covered stretches) hampered the times but not the
spirit of competition as the front runners exchanged the lead numerous
times over the first half of the five thousand meter course. But as
the racers turned onto the sidewalk on Sumner Avenue, the young
Germantown, New York, resident pulled away for good with a burst of
USATF Junior Olympic finalist speed, crossing the finish line in a
speedy 17:08. Carlos (17:34) outsprinted Paul (17:35) for the silver
medal.
John Kelley (18:08) outran Doug
Guertin (19:02) to win the masters division, Frank Rucki (19:18) edged
Steve O’Neil (19:24) among the seniors, Bruce Rockwell (23:36)
claimed top veteran over Don Grant (24:58) while David’s brother Joe
Raucci was second junior in19:11
The home team swept the women’s
divisions with GSHers taking the top seven places, led by Carolyn
Webber’s impressive 20:25 clocking. The master Harrier earned her
fourth win of the season and ninth career victory. Kelly Heroux earned
2nd in 21:05, while Westfield State student Heather
Wenninger took 3rd in 21:44. Carol L’Esperance topped the
seniors in 21:58.
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