Senior Mason Gatewood continues his remarkable season with an outstanding first-place victory in the Boys Eastern States race at the Manhattan Cross Country Invitational. With a time of 12:16 on the 2.5 mile course, Gatewood had the honor of breaking the tape in the most anticipated race of the day.
“We prepared really well for this race,” Gatewood said of his victory. “I definitely wanted to put myself in the position to win, so that was the expectation going in. I’m happy it happened.”
As a result of this impressive, though expected outcome, Gatewood moved up in the national standings. He is now ranked 11th in the country among high school cross country runners.
The excitement of Gatewood’s win on October 14th only added to the already hectic day at Van Cortlandt Park. The Manhattan Invitational, or “The biggest and the best meet in the U.S.A.,” is known for the immense crowds of runners it draws. This year, it was reported that 475 teams, or around 10,000 runners, gathered to race the rolling back hills of the famous Bronx course. Races composed of hundreds of eager runners went off within minutes of each other. A total of forty of these packed races ran continuously from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon.
Because of the scale of the meet, as well as the quality of competition, a runner could easily feel lost or overwhelmed before the race. Mason, however, maintained his usual quiet confidence and competitive edge.
Gatewood explained the mindset he brought to Manhattan: “This race is always really competitive, and I have a lot of respect for the guys in the field and what they have accomplished so far. Having the right frame of mind, [staying] positive, and never thinking that you’re less than anyone else is important. Again, nothing but respect for the guys in the field, but eventually, if you want to make that next step you have to believe that you’re one of them.”
The varsity team as a whole placed 21st in the Boys’ Eastern States race. The junior varsity teams were split throughout several races and finished in respectable positions. The team that raced in the junior varsity “C” race placed 5th, and the team in the junior varsity “B” race placed 7th. The sophomores and freshmen, who raced separately, came in 3rd and 6th, respectively.
The Friars’ next race is League Championships at Sunken Meadow State Park on October 29th. The team is in a good position to win, but they will face strong competition from close rivals Kellenberg, Chaminade, and St. John the Baptist.
About The Author:
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Cate Cappelmann Cate is a senior at St. Anthony’s and a runner in Cross Country, Winter Track, and Spring Track. This is her first year writing for the Friar Scoreboard, and she is also a writer for the school newspaper, The Paduan. |
