December 2010
28th Running of the Markiewicz/Alumni Race
This year’s race was a huge success as 255 hardy
harriers finished the course on a cold and blustery day
– which even had some snow flakes! On the down
side we lost our 1st place standing for the Participation
Award. While we were the largest Rockland County
contingent at 30 the purple mass which is Monroe
Woodbury took home the crown with 34. We also lost
the woman’s title as Monroe Woodbury packed in 6 in
the top 10. On the up side we did unseat Pearl River
and end their 27 year streak of having the most people
at the post race party (pictured right)!!
Attached to the email is the write up from Jamie Kempton and you can see all the history
of the race at Mike Collin’s excellent site:
http://rocklandsportingnews.com/bill_markiwiczalumni_race
Link to Patch.com article on the race: http://nyack.patch.com/articles/rockland-alumni-xc-racedraws-260-runners-countless-iconic-faces
Another site: http://alumnixc.blogspot.com/
After the race we took a moment to recall 2 dedicated Falcon alumni - Kevin Kiernan
(AM 77) and John Marsalisi (AM 73) - who were both at last years race. John’s mom
donated a plaque and an annual award was established in his memory. The plaque
contains the following inscription:
The John Marsalisi (AM 1973) Memorial Award is presented annually to
the first place male and first place female Albertus Magnus Alumni
runner in The Bill Markiewicz (AM 1967) Memorial Rockland Alumni
Cross Country Run
We honor John’s memory with this award as he was truly a loyal and
dedicated AM Falcon as well as a good friend to so many in the Albertus
family of cross country and track and field competitors. We take
inspiration from his many good deeds and his generosity to the school
and the sport that he loved.
John’s wife and kids as well as a few relatives and friends ran the race in AM Alumni
T-shirts with their family name and the number 73 on the back. Pictured below is
Ann Marsalisi with her children and the first Falcons recipients’ of the award Brian
Crowley (AM 82) who finished 14th overall and Laurel Gilhooley-Rielly (AM 81)
who finished as the 16th woman:
Laurel also won the 2nd annual Buzzard Award (race between her, Larry
Beckerle AM 73 and John McNiff AM 75) but in a display of extremely
bad form Larry (last year’s winner) claims he forgot to bring the Beanie
Baby Buzzard. We’re not sure if he was just overconfident or couldn’t
bear the thought of sleeping without it. The FSSC will not rest until we
receive word from Laurel that the trophy (pictured right) has been delivered.
Other highlights of the day:
Unveiling of the 1975 Long Red Line NY State Championship Banner – still
the only Rockland County Boys team to defend a state Cross Country
Championship.
Presentation of the Long Red Line team shirt display which was donated by
Tom Festa (AM 74). Along with the shirt the display includes a plaque
engraved with the 1974 and 1975 achievements and the names of the
associated team members.
Both will be presented to the school when the team is inducted into the AM Hall of
Fame (hopefully in the spring of 2011).
Thanks to all who ran, cheered and made it another memorable day – and mark
your calendars for next year – as always the Saturday after Thanksgiving
(11/26/11), high noon at Bear Mt. Let’s reclaim our participation award!!
Special Anniversary in AM Track History – 38 Years ago today Howie McNiff
defeated a stellar field, which included Matt Centrowitz, at the 168th St. Armory in
the Bishop Loughlin Games 2 mile. Howie’s time of 9:09.8 was just 2 tenths off the
national record and remains the meet record!!