With the top runners resting for sectionals, Cherokee had a chance to run its second group Tuesday at the Haddonfield Invitational, and seven Chiefs ran under 17:30 over 5,000 meters at Pennypacker Park in Haddonfield.
Sophomore Matteo Evola and senior Aiden Dickinson ran 1-2 for Cherokee, Evola winning in 16:53 and Dickinson second in 16:57. Junior Ian Romea of Haddonfield also broke 17 minutes, taking third in 16:59.
Cherokee also had sophomore Andrew Free [4th in 17:05], junior Joseph Hough [5th 17:08], sophomore Luke Reistle [9th 17:19], senior Lucas Hatch [10th 17:21] and senior Jameson Crozier [11th 17:25] under 17:30. Three others broke 18 minutes – junior Daniel Hassall [17:39] and freshmen Zachary Ciabattoni [17:39] and Liam Tindall [17:46].
Cherokee has had five runners break 16:30, nine break 17, and 15 break 17:30 in various races on various courses this fall. Nine of their 12-fastest return next year.
There was no team scoring kept, but Cherokee went 1-2-5-6-9-(10-11-15-16-18-23-24).
Cherry Hill East juniors Grant Yoon and Christopher Korneyev placed 4th and 7th in 17:02 and 17:11 and Haddonfield freshman Bennett Wright 8th in 17:12.
Also under 17:30 were Cherry Hill East junior Daniel Farling [17:25] and Haddon Heights freshman Reggie Hernandez [17:26].
From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank 