ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Led by top two finishes by seniors
Garrison Clark (Severna Park, Md.) and
Brett Brady (Phoenix, Ariz.), the Navy men's cross country team (1-0) notched a 22-35 win over Army (0-1) in the annual Star Meet, which is part of the overall Army-Navy Star Series presented by USAA on Saturday afternoon at the USNA Cross Country Course. Clark claimed individual medalist honors in the 4.9-mile race, while Brady crossed the finish line in second in America's Meet.
The win improves the men's cross country team to 53-31-1 all-time against the Black Knights. It is the fourth consecutive victory for Navy in the series.
With Navy's win in the women's cross country race to start the day, the Naval Academy evened the overall 2022-23 Star Series presented by USAA at 3-3 through six events.
"We were expecting that late in the race, there would still be a challenge," head coach
Aaron Lanzel said after the meet. "Our top seven kept their composure and confidence that they would have everything they needed to finish strong from the great running we have seen from them before today. The big moves weren't even made with half a mile to go.
"We have traded around who the top runner each week has been and Garrison was a champion today for his final Star cross country race. Brett stayed solid throughout the race, answering when it mattered from the earlier Army moves, and Sam battled the last half without his best day, but a well-deserved team contribution. When the score got fuzzy to calculate at the finish, we saw a block of gold coming in with Murphy, Alex, and Jack to make it crystal clear. It wasn't the best race these men have in their legs, but consistency and dedication carried the day."
Clark finished as the individual winner, clocking a time of 23:59.1 to pace all runners. The senior was 17th through the first mile split, but moved his way into second place through 3.9 miles of competition. Clark was able to overtake the lead, finishing 15.3 seconds ahead of senior team captain Brady, who took second place, crossing the finish line in 24:14.4.
Brady, who won the individual title at the 2021 Star Meet, led through the first mile, but dropped to fourth at the second check point. The senior captain overtook Army's Erick Lara to finish second.
Sam Keeny (Annapolis, Md.) posted a time of 24:20.4 to take fourth place ahead of Garrett Gough (24:21.5) and Matthew Porter (24:26.7) of West Point.
The Midshipmen sealed the victory as
Murphy Smith (Charlotte, N.C.),
Alex Rizzo (Bronxville, N.Y.), and
Jack Rooney (Raleigh, N.C.) claimed the next three spots. Smith posted a time of 24:33.9 to finish seventh, while Rizzo was less than four second back with a time of 24:37.7 to round out Navy's top 5 with an eighth-place finish. Rooney finished ninth overall with a time of 24:44.4 with
Alexander Kirkland (Bel Air, Md.) crossing the finish line in a time of 24:53.0 to take 12th and close out the Mids' top 7 competitors.
With regular season competition concluded for the Mids, Navy will now turn its attention to postseason racing. First up for the Mids is action at the Patriot League Championships on Saturday, Oct. 29 in Lewisburg, Pa.
Team Results
1. Navy – 22
2. Army – 35
Navy Top 7
1.
Garrison Clark – 23:59.1
2.
Brett Brady – 24:14.4
4.
Sam Keeny – 24:20.4
7.
Murphy Smith – 24:33.9
8.
Alex Rizzo – 24:37.7
9.
Jack Rooney – 24:44.4
12.
Alexander Kirkland – 24:53.0
