Sinclair sisters dominate relays, Blazers show potential

SEPT. 5, WALTER JOHNSON HS-
Despite the extreme rain and the mud, Woodward Relays went on as scheduled at Walter Johnson High School.

This unique cross-country invitational meet is not a traditional five kilometer race. Varsity runners pair up into teams of two, each runner completing one mile at a time before passing the baton to their partner, for a total of three miles per runner and six miles per pair.

The meet revealed exactly where the Blazers currently stand in comparison to teams from the rest of Montgomery County, which is considered one of the toughest counties in Maryland because of the sheer depth of its runners. The boys' team placed 12th overall out of 19 teams. While the girls' team did not have enough girls to score as a team, senior twins Ashlyn and Halsey Sinclair finished in first place, well ahead of any other female competition.

Coach Carl Lewin acknowledged that while talent lies at the top of the boys' and girls' teams, the Blazers currently lack strength, due in part to unforeseen setbacks. "Two of our top five girls have been out with illnesses or have had setbacks," Lewin said. "The guys have a little more depth than the girls' team, but once again, we're not as solid as we could be because of various issues such as eligibility and injuries."

Senior captains Emanuel Waktola and David Gootenberg believe the Blazers show potential to succeed as the season progresses. "Our upcoming varsity runners show a lot of strength," Gootenberg remarked, "and our new runners show a lot of potential."

"It was the first meet and a good gauge to see how we'll be doing during the year. We're in a much harder division this year, but our training regimen has intensified," Waktola said, "so as long as we stay healthy, we should be able to succeed."