Dave Wilson ’09 led the Boys Varsity Cross Country team to a stunning win over Phillips Exeter last Saturday. Although hindered by a few injuries and illnesses, the boys performed their strategy without flaw, capturing the toughest dual meet of the season by 11 points. Co-Captain Ben Bramhall ’07 was filled with delight saying, “The race gave us a lot of confidence for Interschols this Saturday. If we run the way we did last week, there is no way Exeter can beat us.” After a cancelled race the previous weekend, the team was eager for competition, especially on the road against its toughest rival. Without the presence on the race course of Co-Captain Ken Watari ’07 and Mike Discenza ’09, both suffering injuries, every runner knew he had to step up to bring home a victory for Andover. With the starter’s command, Exeter’s Graham Keggi was first off the line. Displaying commanding speed, he quickly took charge of the pack. Mimicking his speedy start, Dave Wilson ’09 stayed on Keggi’s heels. After traversing a field of mud left over from heavy rains, the boys entered onto a wooded trail. The path looped back to complete the first mile and, following the two leaders, a clump of runners headed by Bramhall and Addison Godine ’07 reemerged onto the field where the race initiated. The boys continued to battle as they disappeared into another forest area. After scurrying up the course’s only incline, a short hill, the runners surged out of the woods. In the third mile, Andover executed its moves. Bramhall and Godine fought Ian Winthrop of Exeter to a harepin turn around an oak tree. Here, Winthrop tripped and tumbled over. Although he righted himself and continued forward, he never recaptured his position in the race. A few meters behind, Eli Howe ’09 sped by two Exeter runners to settle into fifth place overall. Bramhall was stunned by his incredible (and crucial) move: “Eli was the man on Saturday!” A few minutes later, Keggi crossed the finish line first in 15:58. Eighteen seconds behind, Wilson finished in 16:16. A stride later, Co-Captain Bramhall and Godine crossed together in 16:17. Howe completed the race next in 16:22 to secure Andover’s hold on four of the top five places. Sixth and seventh were taken by Exeter’s Winthrop and Brennan who finished in 16:31 and 16:33 respectively. Rounding out Andover’s scoring, Evan Moore ’07 ran powerfully to cross the line in 16:39 for eighth. Exeter attained the next five places, followed strongly by Alex Hugon ’07 who finished in 17:13. Geoff Martin ’07 also ran with zeal, crossing the line in 17:24. Driven by the flat course and Andover/ Exeter rivalry that melted the frosty November air, a large number of personal best times, some by a minute, were recorded. Following the race, former Exeter coach Dave Weber performed the honors at the inaugural presentation of the “Coaches’ Bowl,” a new prize given each year to the winning team of the Andover/Exeter varsity cross country race. Co-Captains Bramhall and Watari proudly accepted the silver bowl on behalf of the team. Although the squad returned home with the win, the boys are well aware of the hard work that still lies ahead at Interschols. Wilson elaborated: “We all thought the race would be tighter than it was, and we’re glad we won by a healthy margin, but we still have to arrive at Interschols expecting to be challenged at every level.” The race secured the team’s undefeated record of 6-0 in the regular season. Additionally, the day served as a preview for this weekend when Exeter will be hosting the New England Prep School Interscholastic Championship.
