By BUDDY HURLOCK
Staff reporter
09/03/2002

WILMINGTON -- As if the Salesianum boys cross country team didn't know it was good.

Additional praise was offered last week when The Harrier, a national running publication, released its preseason prep ranking.

Salesianum is ranked No. 9 in the nation and No. 1 in the Northeast, one of four regions.

"That was a pleasant surprise," said P.J. Meany, one of four Sallies seniors who made first-team All-State last year.

The Sals are never a surprise in cross country, having won the Division I state title 28 times in 33 seasons.

The national ranking just makes the spotlight brighter.

Sallies won last year's state meet with a 28-point total. They swept the top three spots with Tom Lord, Ryan Hamill and Mike Zeberkiewicz.

This year's state meet is Nov. 9 at Killens Pond State Park near Felton.

Fans are wondering if Sallies can score a perfect 15 this year. To score a perfect 15, Sallies

would have to claim the first five spots - and doing so would break the record low for the boys state meet, Howard's 17 points in 1958.

Salesianum coach Ralph Heiss said a 1 through 5 finish might be too tough. Talent is widespread and he expects a top runner from another Division I team to finish in the top five.

But for now, Heiss likes what he sees. His nationally-ranked runners aren't holding back.

"They are hungry and they'll stay hungry," Heiss said.

Sallies' schedule this year again takes them outside state lines. The highlight comes Sept. 28 in Charlotte, N.C., with the Great American Cross Country Festival.

Salesianum is entered in the Elite Race of Champions, an event that includes state championship teams from across the country.

"We're really pumped about that. This is our first time going and running with some of the greatest runners in the nation," said Meany, who is seen by his coach and peers as being in the best preseason shape.

Meany placed seventh at last year's state meet. He had the fastest time at three of the five major courses in the state, including the tough hills at Brandywine Creek State Park.

"We all just try to stay up with him," Hamill said.

For this boys cross country season, everyone else will be trying to stay up with Sallies.

"You've got to improve. You can only aim higher," Zeberkiewicz said.

The News Journal/JENNIFER CORBETT

Salesianum's cross country team crosses a foot bridge over the Brandywine during a workout last week. The team has been ranked No. 9 in the nation by The Harrier, a national running publication.

 

The News Journal/JENNIFER CORBETT

Salesianum's P.J. Meany takes to the sidewalks during a recent practice session. He finished seventh in last year's state championship meet.