The Stacey Cross Country Team competed in their third meet of the season as they joined other area schools at the old Kelly Golf Course for the Patriot Invitational. In the Girls Varsity race, Stephanie Glatt weaved her way through heavy traffic on the 3200 meter course as she passed scores of runners to finish in ninth place. Megan Benoit also ran well as she finished the course in 16:32. In the Boys JV division, Josh Knippel proved that hard work during the week has its benefits on Saturday. Josh ran hard the entire five kilometer course and finished in the top third with a time of 23:41. In the Girls Middle School Division, Alyssa Soto and Ashlee Kelps ran the 3200 meter course in what was their first race of the season. In the Boys Middle School division, Kelly Knippel (placed 30), Jon Paul Benard (35), Arron Funari (37), Joel Marte (39), and Stephen Hearn (51) combined to serve as a team for fifth place honors. Austin Ptomey (63), Bryan Kelps (86), and Ryan Smith also competed and ran hard in the pack. |
 Off to the start - Megan Benoit, Stephanie Glatt, Coach Smith, and Chris Knippel make their way to the start of the Girls Varsity 3200 meter race. |
 Trying to stay relaxed prior to start of the race, Megan and Stephanie prepare for long run ahead. |
 Stephanie Glatt checking over her shoulder to see if any runners are in pursuit. |
 Megan Benoit holding her own as she motors through the crowd in Girls 3200. |
 Stephanie receiving medal for her ninth place finish in the Girls Varsity 3200. |
 Chris Knippel cheering for runners and checking for time splits. |
 Josh Knippel has made incredible improvement in the past week as he shows with his performance in his third race of the season. |
 Josh making his way through the course. |
 Kelly Knippel and Joel Marte have discovered that working hard during the week days has positive results on race day as they have steadily lowered their times since the beginning of the season. |
 Kelly nearing the end as he starts to pick his knees up and get on his toes sprinting for the finish line. |
 Jon Paul Bernard easing past another runner as he heads for the finish line and a 35th place finish. |
 Arron Funari followed closely by Stephen Hearn and Austin Ptomey approach the one mile mark in the Middle School Boys 3200 meter. |
 J.P. Bernard trying to tell this guy that it is against UIL rules to wear hats during competitions. |
 Arron Funari nearing the end of a hot run. |
 Austin Ptomey trying to figure out a new way to get some Cytomax into his system. |
