The Milton Cross Country teams opened up their 2009 campaign with a low-key dual meet with Region 4-AAAA opponent Alcovy HS. The Tigers hosted Milton on their very unique and special home course on the campus of Alcovy HS and the Eagles came away with dominate victories in both the girls’ and boys’ races.

Girls
The Lady Eagles had an easy time of things and dispatched the Lady Tigers of Alcovy 15-50. Milton was spearheaded by the front running of seniors Stephanie Butzer (1st-21:57) and Chelsea Weiermiller (2nd-21:58) and their resounding run was less than a minute off the course record. The Lady Eagles completed the rare “perfect score” with a solid group of finishers just over 1 minute behind Stephanie & Chelsea. Sophomore Lindsay Gruca showed she is rounding into form with a solid 3rd place effort (22:56). Milton then “packed it up” with close finishes by senior co-captain Cori Deutsch (4th-23:01), the freshman pair of Olivia Koerner (5th-23:04) & Jacqueline Mahoney (6th-23:04) and rounding out the scoring was sophomore Amanda Lockwood (7th-23:17).

Boys
The Eagles had a small challenge from Alcovy early on but prevailed easily 19-42 over the Tigers. Senior Tyler Tomy showed he is in shape and ready to have a successful senior campaign with his overall win & new course record (1st-17:30). Milton showed they are on the rebuilding track with freshman and sophomores up front along with seniors who have been with the program for all 4 years. Freshman Miles Dayoub and Alex Marshall showed they are ready to race and contribute with their 2nd and 3rd place finishes, virtually securing the victory for the Eagles. Sophomore Anthony Machan followed in 6th place and a strong pack of seniors followed: Boyd Guttery-7th, David Hasslinger-8th and co-captain Andrew Barris rounding out the scoring in 9th.

Next on the schedule for the Eagles is the Berry Invitational at Berry College on Saturday September 5th. This is the first early-season invitational for the Eagles where normally upwards to 70 schools will compete.