Middle Country's Olivia Rogers wins dual meet, sets course record
Olivia Rogers is now the standard-bearer for Middle Country runners who step foot on the line at Sachem North's 5-kilometer course. Rogers, a Centereach junior, won in 22 minutes, 34 seconds Tuesday in a duel meet with Sachem North. The time was the fastest by a Middle Country runner in the 11-year history of the course, Sachem North coach Alex Young said.
"She maintained a steady pace and had a nice kick at the end," Centereach coach Bill King said.
The time isn't as much a record as it is a jumping-off point. Middle Country hasn't run the course since it was redesigned in 2004. When Sachem was split into two high schools before that season, Sachem North moved down to League II. Middle Country remained in League I until last season, when the two combatants met at Sunken Meadow State Park, Young said.
"She was studying the course and never looked back," said Young, who was among those who designed the course. "She had determination on her face as she moved through [it] and ran consistent splits throughout."
The time marked the continuation of an impressive first month of the season for Rogers. She secured her place in the Suffolk State Qualifier, scheduled for Oct. 31, by running a 22:20 at Sunken Meadow last week, King said.
"She's very determined and willing to do what she has to to get better," he said.
Though Sachem North (3-0) couldn't catch Rogers, it put together enough at the top to win the meet, 23-34. Gabriella Mott and Kaitlyn Licata tied for second in 23:16. Kaitlyn Goodman was fourth in 23:27 and Julia Reilly finished fifth in 23:43.
Young said he wanted to see a more team-oriented approach to the meet, something that will aid the Flaming Arrows later in the season.
"They're learning more about running in competitive packs," Young said. "Our younger girls learned a lot about pacing and running with more experienced teammates. There's a better energy when you run in packs."
