For the second year in a row, Catamount IC racers eclipsed the century mark (101) for participants at the Catamount home race. Initially, it appeared we were in for a long day as the medical response for a fallen racer seemed to take an exceedingly long time to address. However, after this minor interruption, the race resumed without additional interruption as the two runs were completed in relatively short duration. A thank you is in order for the Catamount support team including, timing officials, course setting crew and statisticians for their part in optimizing the almost fault-free operation. Koodos to parent volunteers for your contributions to the event’s success.
The total number of Catamount participants included 47 girls and 54 boys. Our 9 year old girls registered 15 racers. This number accounted for the most catamount racers in any class. They represented over half of the participants in this class. They were followed by eleven year old boys with a total of 13 competitors. From a result perspective, Catamount racers earned top 5 honors in 13 out fourteen listed classes. In nine of these divisions, Catamount sent multiple recipients to the podium. Our boys achieved 15 top 5 awards, whereas IC girls secured 12 top five positions. Stretching finishes out to top 10 honors the numbers look like this; 25 girls (53% of total) and 27 boys (50% of total) qualified for this recognition. The Jets and Patriots can’t boast this type of balance. For that matter, the Austrian and Swiss teams can’t either.
Although our U8 girls and boys began the season with a tentative start at Blandford, they announced their arrival with an explanation mark at the Catamount race. They are a force to be reckoned with. Our girls in this division recorded two top 5s and five top 10 finishes. Virtually our entire contingent in this division deserve recognition for thier stellar performance and rise in skill development. The same observation holds true for our youngest boys. Two members raced to a top 5 finish and 4 additional compadres made the top 10 list (nearly 50% of total).
Never before in the recorded annals of Western Mass IC racing has a sweep of the podium occured by any one team. Hold on there bronco Billy. We can now confidently claim that an exception has occured. Our 11 year old girls have changed the course of history. This Catamount contingent finished 1-5. Our first and fifth finishers were separated by a mere 2 seconds. Here is an example of how persistence and a dedicated work ethic can lead to rewarding outcomes. This solid group of racers has demonstrated continual upward momentum in aspects of tactics intelligence and skill development over the course of the past 5 years.
Lastly in the rewards department, Catamount racers earned five first place divisional finishes (36%) out of a total of 14 divisions. Recognition for fastest boy on the mountain was achieved by Catamount’s U14 Adam Hess. Congratulations to all Catamount racers for giving your best effort in a highly competitive race.
Regards,
John Greaser