By JACK IRELAND
Staff reporter
09/07/2001

Salesianum School senior Mike McKee used the word "motivation" over and over when discussing the upcoming boys cross country season.

Coach Ralph Heiss talked about character and a new challenge.

Sallies is considered the New York Yankees of boys cross country in Delaware. They have posted the most remarkable varsity record in Delaware scholastic sports, winning 27 of the last 32 Division I state titles.

A streak of six straight titles ended last year when St. Mark's won the Division I crown with Sallies second.

"I like the motivation this team has. It will be a huge boost for us,'' said McKee. "We want the title back. I think we have a great chance. A lot of guys have stepped it up in preseason. They remember last year. It will be all heart. We want it so bad.''

More motivation comes from six juniors - Ryan Hamill, P.J. Meany, Sean Gambogi, Jay Hartnett, Tommy Lord and Mike Zeberkiewicz.

"The kids are looking forward to the year and the challenge of coming back,'' said Heiss. "Every year is a new challenge. We have to go out and earn it. The kids accept the challenge of our workouts and push each other to be strong. They want to be a part of the tradition and I stress that as well.

Heiss stresses something even more important.

"I think our character shows through each season,'' said Heiss. " We have seniors who are not a part of the varsity top seven. They are a part of the team and our success, although their name has never been in the paper. They come out as freshmen and maybe didn't want to stay, but stuck with it. I tell them to make their own challenge and do the best they can for us.''

Team depth, not necessarily finishing first, is the Sals' trademark. One recent exception was two-time state champion Eric Eckstrand (1998-99), now attending the Naval Academy.

"We have some very talented runners, but a lot of guys are not the best of athletes,'' said Heiss. "We do have athletes who are very dedicated people. That makes a great team situation.''

Last year, injuries and dominant St. Mark's were too much for Sallies. The Sals' were 7-0 in dual meets, including a win over St. Mark's.

"It made me think I had to work harder,'' said McKee. "We know we should be No. 1 and the best, but it does not come naturally.''

McKee didn't reach the varsity seven until this year. He ran junior varsity B as a freshman, A as a sophomore and split time between varsity and JV last year.

"I knew Sallies had a great program and decided to try it as a freshman,'' said McKee. "It was overwhelming to see all these great runners. One meet I came in 26th out of 30. I ran varsity a little last year until I hurt my ankle. It's huge for me to have a chance with the varsity. I am going to push myself until I can't push anymore.''

McKee said Heiss knows what buttons to push to motivate his athletes.

"He's a great coach. He puts together super workouts and his leadership is the best I've known,'' said McKee. "Coach has been a great mentor for me. One of the biggest keys is the leadership from our coach.''