SECTION 4 CROSS COUNTRY: ND'S MEIER FINISHES THIRD IN CLASS D, QUALIFIES FOR STATES (24 PHOTOS) (2024-11-08)

By Brian Fees
Southern Tier Sports Report
CHENANGO VALLEY — For the first two miles on Thursday the plan was to stick with the lead pack for Notre Dame’s Gavin Meier.

With 1,000 meters left the Notre Dame sophomore took off and raced to a third-place finish in the Section 4, Class D race in 18:16..50 at Chenango Valley State Park.

“It feels amazing,” Meier said. “The first two miles I decided to keep a leash on the guys I knew I had to be with. After that 1,000 meters I just went for it. First two miles, just nice and easy. But, the last 1,000 meters I wanted to leave it all on the field and I knew I was going to do great.”

Meier had a goal in mind going into the race, and it was to make states.

“I was just like I’m going to the state championship, I’m here,” he said. “I didn’t have a number. But, all I knew was I wanted to go to the state championship and all I knew is I had to execute.”

Getting third place was extra special.

“That’s pretty awesome, it’s icing on the cake,” Meier said. “I owe all the Glory to God, he gave me everything and I appreciate him for giving me this amazing gift today.”

Making states has been a goal for a long time for Meier.

“Ever since I was in 7th grade, I knew I was going to be here one day,” Meier said.

Now, it’s onto states for the Crusaders standout.

“It’s going to be challenging for sure,” Meier said. “Obviously that’s the next thing in front of us. I’m going to run my race and do the best I can to the best of my ability.”

Cameron Kraft was 48th for Notre Dame in 21:31.30 and Robert Sharp was 62nd in 23:13.40. Trevor Agan was 72nd in 24:17.20 and Owen Neidrich was 76th in 24:37.90.

Notre Dame was eighth as a team at 196 points, with Delhi-South Kortright winning at 51 points.

Caitlin Keenan was 26th for the girls in the Class D race and Lylie Colunio was 30th in 25:38.20 followed by Marta Albaladejo Tejedor in 25:38.60.

In Class C boys Edison was ninth at 186 points and Oneonta won at 35.

Jameson Duggan was 25th for the Spartans in 20:05.30 and Kaleb Podoliak was 31st in 20:31. Zachary Sternfels was 34th in 20:38.60 and Augustus Ector was 37th in 21:06.80. Carter Smith was 61st in 22:59.90 and Carson Balash was 69th in 24:32.50. Levi Utter was 71st in 25:58.90. Dillan Allyn-Nobles was 73rd in 27:57.50 followed by Shawn Kelly in 28:39.20.

Mayla Falank was 23rd for the Edison girls in 25:24. Olivia Vinsek was 40th in 29:35.80 and Riley Shilling was 42nd in 31:26.80 while Madison Palmieri was 44th in 31:56.60.
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES

PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE MEET:


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