Fox Lane boys win Big Red Invitational XC team title

The Fox Lane boys team poses with its plaque after winning the team title at Somers. COURTESY FOX LANE

By JIM MACLEAN 

It is always a big field and a bit intimidating when you compete in the annual Somers Big Red Invitational. It is one of the traditional early season kickoff meets to see where you stand.

This year was the 25th anniversary of the meet with a total of 1,400 runners from 44 different schools competing in varsity and junior varsity races. It often can come down to the draw as the teams are divided up by school size for varsity races, and when the Fox Lane boys team saw who they would be lined up against in the Division 2 varsity race, the Foxes saw an opportunity.

It would take a real team effort and the Foxes responded with five runners finishing in the top 20 to claim the Division 2 team title with a score of 57. Host Somers was second with a score of 64, followed by Yorktown at 73, Hen Hud, Pelham, New Paltz and Harrison.

“I am very proud of how well this group has done with their preparation for the season,” explained Fox Lane coach Chris Dossena. “Their hard work and determination has led to a confidence that they could perform to the best of their abilities. We found out our race assignment about mid-week. They knew there were no guarantees with the outcome, but they were ready to give themselves a chance when the opportunity presented itself.”

Leading the way was Michal Laclavik as he was the top finisher for Fox Lane in fifth-place overall with a time of 17:43.2. Teammate Luke Sweeney was two seconds behind him in sixth-place. James MacDonald was 11th, Evan Siemers was 17th, and Timmy Harrison was 18th to round out the top five for the team score.

Having five runners in the top 20 made the difference, as the Foxes were able to bring home the championship plaque, a good way to start the season.

The Fox Lane girls also competed in the race at Somers, finishing fifth in the Division 2 race with a score of 115. The home team from Somers won the title with a score of 37.

Victoria Ransom led the way for Fox Lane as she finished eighth with a time of 22:03.8.

Franke Kelly was the second finisher for Fox Lane in 25th place. Isabella Ransom was right behind her in 26th place, with teammate Daniella Perez Lopez in 29th place. Amelia Agor was 33rd to round out the top five for the team score.