WHAT IS
GRANITE STATE FLASH?
Granite State Flash (GSF) is a Manchester, New Hampshire based USATF Junior Olympic Cross Country program for children ages seven through eighteen. The team practices in Manchester, N.H. from late October to early December, and competes in the New England, Regional and National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championship competitions.
While the focus of the GSF program is cross country, Flash also compete in the USATF Junior Olympics Track & Field program as well as various competitions throughout the year. The focus of the Flash program is running as a life long pursuit, team competition, sportsmanship, and increasing personal fitness levels.

The Flash began in 2001 with just two teams and twenty one runners. The program has grown since 2001 to include runners from more than 50 towns and cities throughout New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. Over the past ten years more than 800 youth runners have participated in the program with multiple teams advancing to the New England, Regional and National competitions.
Through 2010, Flash teams have won four National team championships, three bronze medal titles as well as numerous Regional, New England team and individual titles. Twenty Flash runners have earned individual All-American honors (top 25 individually in the U.S.).
Flash runners have also gone on to success at the high school and collegiate levels capturing 46 State of New Hampshire high school titles (cross country, indoor and outdoor track), setting 11 Class and/or State records as well as winning three individual New England High School Championships. More than 27 Flash runners have gone on to compete at the Division I, II and III collegiate level. Flash runners have competed for such schools as Dartmouth, Keene State, UNH, Penn, Columbia, Yale, Quinnipiac, Brown, Tufts, William & Mary, Bentley, Bucknell, Franklin & Marshall and Dickinson College.
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CURRENT
SEASON
5/14- Congratulations to the 26 Flash athletes and families that came out to Milford HS yesterday to compete in our first meet of the season. It was a hot and busy day with many athletes participating in 4 or more events. Thanks to all the parents that helped out keeping the kids on track and the Flash tent area organized. The day gave a great opportunity for all the new families to experience the organized chaos of a track and field meet. Results from the meet director which can be found at http://www.granitestateflash.com/documents/Milfordresultsdevelopmental05_13_12.pdf.
Congratulations to Flash Midget runner Brendan Magee, who was the OVERALL WINNER in Manchester's inaugural running of the Fisher Cats Mother's Day 3K yesterday. His time of 12:19 was more than 30 seconds faster than the next runner, and the story behind his race is even more special. Take a few minutes and read about the special mom he worked so hard for. We're all proud of Brendan and wish Melissa all the best.
Reminder- anyone that wants to order FLASH GEAR please complete an order form and return to Coach Justin. Orders received by this weekend's Milford meet should be filled in early June.
4/15- Thursday's first practice went great. For those signed up or planning on signing up our next practice is Monday 4/16 6pm at Souhegan High School. Directions can be found here.
4/8- Flash T&F practice schedule has been updated. See current schedule at PRACTICE SCHEDULE page. Also, the T&F Registration form has been updated.

2012 USATF Junior Olympics
Track & Field
Information
Granite State Flash's spring Junior Olympics Track & Field Program is starting up April 12, which is just around the corner. This program is for new or existing Flash runners (ages 7-18) who are interested in learning and/or competing in track and field events, or would like to participate in a structured program to continue running through an off-season. For runners enrolled in middle or high school seasons, participation is encouraged once the school season ends. We anticipate participating in several optional practice meets (to be scheduled) leading up to the USATF qualifying meets. Our primary focus in competition is on the New England and Regional meets.
Click here for the summary of the program and the registration form. The calendar of practice dates/locations is still pending finalization but will be most Mondays and Thursdays. Please print out and complete the registration form including all information, and bring to the first practice 4/12 6pm at Merrimack HS. Note that 2012 USATF membership and a Flash singlet are required. If you need to renew- or need new membership- for 2012 USATF simply include the $20 and Flash will have this processed. If you already have a singlet you do not have to buy a new one. Please bring payment (checks made out to “Granite State Flash”) when you come to register, and please email Coach Justin (jsplatt@comcast.net) with your intent to register so we can get the planning going. Any questions on the program please email Coach Justin at jsplatt@comcast.net.
Latest
NEWS
12/13- Granite State Flash Earns Strong Results at Cross Country Nationals
Congratulations to the 52 youth runners from Granite State Flash that travelled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to compete at the USA Track & Field Cross Country Junior Olympics National Championships on December 10th. These athletes competed against other qualifying runners from 16 regions across the nation in 12 different divisions based on gender and age. Sub-Bantam (7-8) race a 2K (2000 meter) course, Bantam (9-10) and Midget (11-12) race 3K, Youth (13-14) race 4K, and Intermediate (15-16) and Young Adult (17-18) race 5K. The races were held under overcast, 50 degree skies at Whispering Pines Golf Course, a winding, flat layout that resulted in very fast races and many individual PR’s.
In all Flash had 5 runners make All-American status by finishing in the top-25 in their respective races, as well as one team earning a podium finish as the third-place team. Flash also finished as the top team from the New England, New York, and Connecticut region in 3 of the 5 divisions full teams competed in. Granite State Flash is a Manchester-based youth program consisting of athletes from across mostly Southern NH. Congratulations also go to Nashua PAL Striders, the other NH club qualifying teams to the national meet.
All Americans; Morgan Nault (Manchester)- Sub-Bantam Girl - 8:19 - 9th, Ryan Fischer (Merrimack) – Sub-Bantam Boy – 8:10 – 19th,, Caroline Fischer (Merrimack) – Bantam Girl – 11:17 – 3rd, Violet Sullivan (Brentwood) – Bantam Girl – 11:40 – 24th, Eli Moskowitz (Amherst) – Youth Boys – 13:11 – 20th
3rd Place Team; Bantam Girls- Caroline Fischer, Violet Sullivan, O’Neill Galinson (11:55-32nd place-Amherst), Jordan Vaillancourt (12:39-83-Manchester), Taylor Clark (12:40-84-Mont Vernon), Anissa Sroka (13:09-121-Londonderry), Keegan Pepin (13:14-126-Auburn), Katelyn Pepin (13:20-132-Auburn)
Other Flash results:
Jessica Ewing (11:33 - 79/Midget Girls - Amherst), Elise Lambert (12:06 - 135/Midget Girls - Amherst), Eli Moskowitz (13:11 - 20/Youth Boys - Amherst), Madeleine Hunt (15:03 - 49/Youth Girls - Amherst), Kate Bermingham (15:19 - 68/Youth Girls - Amherst), Benjamin Platt (17:07 - 68/Intermediate Boys - Amherst), Brett Quinn (17:47 - 121/Intermediate Boys - Amherst), Gwenyth Winship (14:47 - 31/Youth Girls - Bedford), Dave Delahunty (20:20 - 95/Young Men - Bedford), James Sullivan (9:24 - 99/Sub-Bantam Boys - Brentwood), Dan McColley (13:49 - 80/Youth Boys - Brentwood), Sean Flannery (17:37 - 72/Young Men - Brookline), Mark Lorden (17:42 - 73/Young Men - Brookline), Kyle Lorden (18:28 - 145/Intermediate Boys - Brookline), Gabe Coville (8:58 - 65/Sub-Bantam Boys - Chester), Taylor Sheley (13:12 - 210/Midget Girls - Chester), Madison Clark (11:16 - 46/Midget Girls - Contoocook), Tyler DeChane (14:26 - 164/Youth Boys - Danville), Carlos Turner (14:09 - 118/Youth Boys - Dunbarton), Justin Carbone (13:48 - 78/Youth Boys - Exeter), Margaret Coogan (15:30 - 86/Youth Girls - Exeter), Shannon Glidden (22:04 - 120/Intermediate Girls - Greenfield), Kelly Arsenault (11:27 - 67/Midget Girls - Hampton), Meaghan Kacmarcik (12:10 - 142/Midget Girls - Hampton), Molly Power (15:53 - 122/Youth Girls - Hampton), Casey Hecox (15:38 - 101/Youth Girls - Henniker), Nick Page (18:55 - 159/Intermediate Boys - Hollis), Sarah Nadeau (15:18 - 65/Youth Girls - Hopkinton), Luke Gomes (12:18 - 119/Bantam Boys - Litchfield), Sean Munnelly (14:14 - 130/Youth Boys - Litchfield), Kalin Gregoire (11:57 - 124/Midget Girls - Londonderry), Nicholas Brown (14:30 - 175/Youth Boys - Madison), Garrett Vaillancourt (10:06 - 114/Sub-Bantam Boys - Manchester), Ariel Vaillancourt (16:00 - 129/Youth Girls - Manchester), Shawn Dunphy (17:09 - 72/Intermediate Boys - Manchester), Mitchell Ripka (17:22 - 87/Intermediate Boys - Merrimack), Michael Casey (18:40 - 149/Intermediate Boys - Mont Vernon), Rebecca Ntengeri (12:20 - 166/Midget Girls - Nashua), James Busi (13:47 - 74/Youth Boys - Plaistow), Peter Saviano (17:34 - 107/Intermediate Boys - Sandown), Caryn Ojemann (21:29 - 100/Intermediate Girls - Sandown), Alexandra Ojemann (24:40 - 71/Young Women - Sandown).


Bantam Girls Earn Podium Finish at Nationals!




12/4-
Final list of Teams and Runners Going to Nationals. Good luck to all! If you haven't sent your coach (cc Justin as well) information yet on when you are arriving in SC please do so as walks need to be scheduled.
Sub Bantam Boys- Gabe,
Garrett,
James,
Ryan
Bantam Boys-Luke
Youth Boys (TEAM)- Carlos,
Dan,
Eli,
James,
Justin,
Nicholas,
Sean,
Tyler
Intermediate Boys (TEAM)- Benjamin,
Brett,
Kyle,
Mike,
Mitch,
Nick,
Peter,
Shawn
Young Men- Dave,
Mark,
Sean
Sub Bantam Girls- Morgan
Bantam Girls (TEAM)- Anissa,
Caroline,
Jordan,
Katelyn,
Keegan,
O'Neill,
Taylor,
Violet
Midget Girls (TEAM)- Elise,
Jessica,
Kalin,
Kelly,
Madison,
Meaghan,
Rebecca,
Taylor
Youth Girls (TEAM)- Ariel,
Casey,
Gwenyth,
Kate,
Madeleine,
Margaret,
Molly,
Sarah
Intermediate Girls- Caryn,
Shannon
Young Women- Alexandra
11/20- We're happy to report that this past weekend of the Regional races was perhaps the most successful Flash has ever had! We had 76 runners across 9 teams compete today, and in the end we qualified 7 teams and 3 individuals making up 57 runners eligible For the National meet. For those that didn't qualify to compete this weekend, you were very much in the thoughts of your coaches and teammates this weekend, which really pushed the teams over the top. Of the 7 teams that qualified, 4 of them finished in first place, with the Youth Girls team actually moving up from second last week to first place even with the stiffer competition this weekend. We had 3 individual race winners- Caroline (Bantam Girls), Jessica (Flash's first ever Midget Girls Regional winner) and Gwenyth (Youth Girls). I'm hoping families got some pictures of these race finishes as they were truly exciting right to the very end!
For all runners on teams that qualified, as well as the few individuals, please make sure your coach knows ASAP whether you are able to go to Nationals.




11/14- Flash would like to congratulate it's coaches and the 126 Flash runners that toed the line Sunday at the USATF New England Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships. We had runners in all 12 age divisions qualify on to the Regional meet 11/20 in Queensbury, NY, also qualifying teams along in all 9 divisions we fielded a team in. Three teams earned New England Champion- Bantam Girls, Midget Girls, and Intermediate Boys. And we had 3 individual New England Champions- Morgan (Sub Bantam Girls), Caroline (Bantam Girls), and Jess (Midget Girls). Full results can be found here. Other team results:
2nd Place Teams: Sub-Bantam Boys, Youth Boys, Young Men, Youth Girls
3rd Place Teams: Bantam Boys
4th Place Teams (Qualifying): Midget Boys
Next up: Region 1 Championships 11/20 in Queensbury NY
For those Flash runners that have qualified, please confirm for your coach your ability to attend. Teams need to be finalized by Wed. 11/16.
10/26
Congrats to the 21 Flash runners that ran in the Mayor's Cup. All 4 teams scored podium finishes, with top-10 finishes by O'Neill, Violet, Mitch, Morgan, Jordan, Hannah and Heidi. Great way to start off the XC season!! More pics on the Facebook page.


O'Neill with Mayor's Cup. She and Violet finish 1-2 girls in bantam race
10/1- Cold, wet and MUDDY day today at the 21st Annual Woods Trail Run in Thetford VT. A good group of Flash runners from Exeter, Timberlane, Souhegan, Winnacunnet, Manchester Memorial. I know I missed a few so feel free to email Coach Justin with any more pics.









9/20- List of upcoming Fun Races has been updated on the OTHER RUNNING EVENTS page.
9/7- Reminder- Flash Pre-Season starts TONIGHT!
Flash Pre-Season Training ** New this season**
A pre-season training (PST) program is available for all registered Flash runners that are not in a full-time school XC programs . PST is targeted for elementary school-aged youth, or others that do not have school seasons or do not train 5 days per week. There is no additional cost for this program, although early registration for the 2011 XC season is required. Practice generally runs 2-3 times per week and begins Wed. 9/7- see full schedule here. Email Coach Jan with any questions.
When: Each Mon, Wed and Fri beginning 9/7 through 10/24. See schedule.
Time: 3:45-4:45pm
Where: Amherst Middle School, 14 Cross Road, Amherst, NH. Meet at back parking lot in front of baseball field.
Suggested Race:
Sunday September 11, 2011
Childhood Cancer Lifeline 5K Run/Walk
In support of Flash's Alex Hansen and other kids with cancer, please consider this 5K this Sunday, with proceeds going to the Childhood Cancer Lifeline of New Hampshire. When: Sunday, September 11, 2011 Where: Margaritas in Salem, NH. Cost: $20 Entry Fee.
9/6- Great day yesterday at the St. Charles race! The weather was a little warm and muggy, but at least the rain held off. We met some new families, got to see Jono race in a Flash singlet again, and spent some time catching up. A bunch of kids set PR's and placed in their age groups. See the results at http://coolrunning.com/results /11/nh/Sep5_15thAn_set1.shtml, and some pics:













8/24- Flash is now on Facebook! For those that would like to friend us, you can link (friend request?) here
8/29- Flash runners after last night's final Mine Falls Trail race. Lots of age-group winners!

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2011 USATF Junior Olympics
Cross Country
Information
XC Practice Began 10/25
Practice began Tuesday 10/25 at Derryfield Park in Manchester, NH, and continues every Tuesday and Thursday at Derryfield Park from 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM and weekend mornings at Livingston Park in Manchester, NH unless otherwise noted. See full schedule.
If you would still like to sign up for the program please come to practice with completed registration form, applicable fees, and a copy of your birth certificate (new to program only). Please also email Coach Justin, and include runners name and date of birth.
Competition Distances and Schedule
Age Division |
Year of Birth |
XC Race Distance |
| Sub-Bantam |
2003 and later |
2000 meters/ 1.24 miles |
Bantam |
2001 - 2002 |
3000 meters/ 1.86 miles |
Midget |
1999 - 2000 |
3000 meters/ 1.86 miles |
Youth |
1997 - 1998 |
4000 meters/ 2.49 miles |
Intermediate |
1995 - 1996 |
5000 meters/ 3.11 miles |
Young Adult* |
1993 - 1994 |
5000 meters/ 3.11 miles |
Date |
Event |
Location |
Sunday
October 23, 2011 |
Team Registration
2:00-4:00 PM |
Livingston Park
Manchester, NH |
Sunday
November 6, 2011 |
Preliminary Race |
Freestyle Farm
Amherst, NH |
Sunday
November 13, 2011 |
New England
Championships |
Freestyle Farm
Amherst, NH |
Sunday
November 20, 2011 |
Region I
Championships |
TBD
Queensbury, NY |
Saturday
December 10, 2011 |
National Championships |
Whispering Pines Golf Course
Myrtle Beach, SC |
Signups
Signups for the 2011 XC season will be held on Sunday Oct 23, 2011 on the track at Livingston Park in Manchester between 2-4pm
Pre-Season Training ** New this season**
A pre-season training (PST) program is available for all registered Flash runners
that are not in a full-time school XC programs
. PST is targeted for elementary school-aged youth, or others that do not have school seasons or do not train 5 days per week. There is no additional cost for this program, although early registration for the 2011 XC season is required. Practice generally runs 2-3 times per week and begins Wed. 9/7- see full schedule here. Email Coach Jan with any questions.
When: Each Mon, Wed and Fri beginning 9/7 through 10/24. See schedule.
Time: 3:45-4:45pm
Where: Amherst Middle School, Amherst NH. Meet at back parking lot in front of baseball field.
Practice
Practice will begin Tuesday October 25, 2011 at Derryfield Park in Manchester, NH and continue every Tuesday and Thursday at Derryfield Park from 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM and weekend mornings at Livingston Park in Manchester, NH unless otherwise noted.
Competition Distances and Schedule
Age Division |
Year of Birth |
XC Race Distance |
| Sub-Bantam |
2003 and later |
2000 meters/ 1.24 miles |
Bantam |
2001 - 2002 |
3000 meters/ 1.86 miles |
Midget |
1999 - 2000 |
3000 meters/ 1.86 miles |
Youth |
1997 - 1998 |
4000 meters/ 2.49 miles |
Intermediate |
1995 - 1996 |
5000 meters/ 3.11 miles |
Young Adult* |
1993 - 1994 |
5000 meters/ 3.11 miles |
Date |
Event |
Location |
Sunday
October 23, 2011 |
Team Registration
2:00-4:00 PM |
Livingston Park
Manchester, NH |
Sunday
November 6, 2011 |
Preliminary Race |
Freestyle Farm
Amherst, NH |
Sunday
November 13, 2011 |
New England
Championships |
Freestyle Farm
Amherst, NH |
Sunday
November 20, 2011 |
Region I
Championships |
TBD
Queensbury, NY |
Saturday
December 10, 2011 |
National Championships |
Whispering Pines Golf Course
Myrtle Beach, SC |
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PAST
HAPPENINGS
2011 USATF Junior Olympics
Track & Field
Information

Granite State Flash's spring Junior Olympics Track & Field Program
8/1/11- Congratulations and thanks to Nick Brown (3000m), Maggie Barrie (100m, 200m) and Eli Moskowitz (1500m) in competing at the National Chamionships in Wichita! In the 100+ degree heat, these 3 athletes gave their very best while providing strong representation for Flash and all of Region 1. Thanks too to their parents and families for supporting them in their preparation and throughout their seasons. See the full results here.
7/11/11- Flash had tremendous results competing among the best track and field youth athletes at the Region 1 meet, held 7/8-7/10 at RPI in Troy, NY. Of the 20 athletes that qualified, 17 qualified for the National meet in 28 events. Additionally, there were 12 PR's set at this meet. Full results can be found here. Congratulations to everyone that gave their best efforts against some of the top youth athletes in the country!
Some highlights of the meet include Veronica's heptathlon, in which she won the High Jump and 800 on the way to her 4th place finish. In one of the MOST exciting finishes of the meet, Veronica held 4th place for much of the 800, but powered past the leaders in the last 150 meters to take the victory! While she didn't qualify on, as the first Flash multi-event athlete she set the bar very high for others in the future. Also of note, O'Neill and Caroline took 1st place in the 800 and 1500 respectively- the two 1st place finishes for Flash. And kudos to Hannah, Heidi, Helen and Madeleine for earning 4 of the 5 qualifying spots in the Youth Girls 3000. Talk about a dominating performance!
Congratulations to ALL the athletes that competed and gave their very best this weekend, making their family, Flash and themselves very proud. And a big thank you to the parents that brought food and drinks to the meet, helped clean up each day, kept the kids on track and took pictures. I am very happy to say that NOBODY missed any events! And a final thank you to all for welcoming our friends from Amherst Rec Track and Gate City Striders under our tents.
See pictures below from the meet . For those that have qualified for the National meet, please contact Coach Justin if you are interested in attending the July 26-31 meet in Wichita, Kansas. More information on the meet and schedule can be found here- http://www.usatf.org/events/2011/USATFJuniorOlympicTFChampionships/index.asp. Coach Jan and I would be happy to talk things through to see what might be best for your family.
USATF Region 1 T&F Meet
RPI Troy, NY
7/8-7/10/11

Heptahlete Veronica Scott powering by the four leaders in the final 150 meters to take 1st place in the 800

Sub-Bantam Ryan Fischer accepting his medal for second place in the 200. Ryan would also earn second in the 100 and the shot.

O'Neill Galinson and Caroline Fischer took 1st and 2nd in the Bantam Girls 800. Caroline also took 1st in the 1500, and O'Neill took 3rd in the 100 and 4th in the Long Jump

Intermediate Starlin Ortiz on his way to a 4th place finish in High Jump

Hannah Gillis, Madeleine Hunt, Heidi Ntengeri and Helen Ntengeri at the start of the Youth Girls 3000. In the end, the girls would finish 2-3-4-5 and earn 4 of the 5 qualifying spots.

Youth Girl Mikayla Hickey is on cloud nine after 3 inch PR, earning her 3rd place in the Long Jump

HASLAW Manchester Mile & 5K - 7/3/11
A handful of the 25 Flash runners and parents that came out to do the inaugural HASLAW Manchester Mile and 5K, run from Flash's XC training ground at Derryfield Park.

Video Compilation of 6/18 Fitchburg New England Meet- thanks to Karen Hickey

NH Meet of Champions - Milford - 6/4/11
Alex Peck with Coach Jan, after helping his Exeter 4x800 team break the 10 year old school record by 18 seconds and qualifying for the New Englands. Congrats Alex!

USATF Preliminary Meet - Amherst - 6/11/11
Aiden White and Ryan Fischer staying warm during the cold, rainy meet held by Amherst Track Club
Practice Meet - Coe-Brown - 5/29/11
Elise Lambert warming up for triple jump, with sister Amy on deck. Both girls won their age group in the event. See all results here.

Developmental Track Meet - Milford H.S. - 5/22/11

Developmental Track Meet - Milford H.S. - 5/15/11

Southern NH Medical Center 6K- 5-8-11
Flash kids after running great times on a warm and hilly Mother's Day morning. Congratulations to Caroline Fischer (F12 and Under- 27:36) and Heidi Ntengeri ( F13-15 - 27:32) on winning their age groups, with siblings Ryan Fischer (32:54), Joe Ntengeri Jr. (32:32), Rebecca Ntengeri (32:06) and Helen Ntengeri (28:19) all finishing in the top of their age groups.

Flash T&F Practice- 5/5/2011
Team picture taken at the May 5th practice. The team wore pink in support of Alex Hansen on her surgery. We're all thinking of you Alex!

5/1/2011-Margaritas 5K
Congrats to Justin Carbone (18:13), Connor Murray (20:01) and Jacob Dumont (24:06) on racing the Margaritas 5K in Exeter. They all finished in the top 15% of the over 800 finishers, and Justin and Connor finished 1-2 in the 19 and under age group.

4/17/2011-19th Newton Heartbreak Hill Int'l Youth Race
The Ntengeri kids at the 19th Annual Newton Heartbreak Hill International Youth Race- April 17, 2011. Helen (6:46) and Heidi (6:54) finished 4th and 5th in the Girls 1997-1998 division, with Rebecca (6:55) finishing 6th in the Girls 1999-2000 division, and Joseph Jr (7:32) finishing 2nd in the Boys 2002 division. Congrats to them all in this fun 1 mile race run up and down the world-famous "Heartbreak Hill" of the Boston Marathon.

3/27/2011- Manchester Shamroch Shuffle
Granite State Flash runners, parents and coaches at the Manchester Shamrock Shuffle- March 27, 2011. Madeleine Hunt and Jessica Ewing placed 1st and 2nd in the F12 and Under category, Jake Scafidi and Spencer Stanium placed 1st and 2nd in the M12 and Under category, and Costa Routos and Ben Platt placed 1st and 3rd in the M13-20 age category. In all Flash had 27 Flash runners plus coaches and parents running at this innaugural event. While it was bone-chilling cold with the pummeling winds, much fun was had by all! Click for results and pictures.

1/1/2011- 12th Annual Millennium Mile
Dozens of Flash runners, alumni, coaches and parents started 2011 off with a traditional fast mile run in Londonderry. Above are some of the current runners and coaches that toed the line at the 12th Annual Millennium Mile- January 1st, 2011. Congrats to youth age-group medalists Jake Scafidi and Joe Gagnon in the M10, Mollie Simpson and Melissa Brown in the F10, TJ Furlong in the M11, and Carlos Turner in M12. Scoring top 5 in the 13+ age categories, Jono Vinnenberg and Edward Glidden in M13-19, Alexandra Conway (4th woman overall!), Casey Hecox, Michaella Conery and Elizabeth Conway in F13-19, Holly Banaian in F20-29, and parents/coaches Darin Brown (1st M40-49), Jim Robinson (4th M50-59), and Cathy Merra (1st F50-59). Congratualtions to all!! Click for full results and pictures.
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2010 USATF Junior Olympics
Cross Country
Information

Strong Results at Regionals for Granite State Flash Runners!
It was a cool and sunny day yesterday in Burrillville as our Association qualifiers ran at the Regional meet on the rocky, hilly trails and winding fields of Burrillville Middle School. Facing the highest levels of competition from New England and now Long Island, Adirondacks, NY Metro, Maine and Connecticut, with almost 900 runners registered, Flash again had a very successful day. Runners in every category we competed in have qualified for the National Championships on December 11th at Veterans Park in Hoover, Alabama. We had 25 top-20 medal winners and 7 teams and 5 individuals that qualified for the national meet! Congratulations to all that participated! Full results are available here. In summary:
- Bantam Girls- Qualified for National meet with 3rd place team finish and 2 top-20 qualifiers
- Bantam Boys- Qualified for National Meet with 1st place team finish and 4 top-20 qualifiers
- Midget Girls- Qualified for National Meet with 2nd place team finish and 3 top-20 qualifiers
- Midget Boys- for National Meet with 2 top-20 qualifiers
- Youth Girls- Qualified for National Meet with 2nd place team finish and 4 top-20 qualifiers
- Youth Boys- Qualified for National Meet with 2nd place team finish and 2 top-20 qualifiers
- Intermediate Girls- Qualified for National Meet with 2nd place team finish and 1 top-20 qualifiers
- Intermediate Boys- Qualified for National Meet with 2nd place team finish and 4 top-20 qualifiers
- Young Women- Qualified for National Meet with 3 top-20 qualifiers
Results From the New England Championship Race Are Available
Results from the 11/14 New England championship race in Burrillville, RI can be found on our Results page. Facing the highest level of competition the New England Association has ever shown- the most runners and most teams across the Bantam, Midget and Youth classes in particular- Flash posted truly remarkable results, including 46 individual top-15 medal winners and 8 teams and multiple individuals that qualified for the Regional Championship meet on 11/21!
















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NH State Meet Results
There were 61 middle school Flash runners that participated at the State Meet Sat 10/23. Of those, 16 runners medaled (top 10 finish) in their respective races. You can find all the results at
2010 New Hampshire Middle School XC Championships
Middle School Tri-County Meet
Congratulations to all the middle school Flash runners that participated at the Tri-County meet Sat 10/16. There are too many runners and details to list, but the very sunny and very windy day was a big success, with many Flash runners PR'ing the course and/or coming in Top 10 in their respective races. You can find all the results at http://coolrunning.com/results/10/nh/Oct16_TriCou_set1.shtml.
If anyone has pictures from the meet, or details/pics of Flash runners from other school season meets that they'd like to share, please email me at jsplatt@comcast.net
School Season Pictures
Please forward to Justin any 2010 school season pictures you'd like to share on this site - jsplatt@comcast.net
Flash Runner Medals at Hershey Nationals
Congratulations to Mollie Simpson, who came in 3rd place in the Bantam Girls 400M Dash, running a PR of 1:09.04! The Hershey's Track & Field Games Final was held on Aug 7th, and is held annually in PA for top atheletes that win their local Hershey qualifying events. All results can be found here.

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2010 USATF Junior Olympics Track & Field
Congratulations to the 22 Flash athletes that participated in the USATF Junior Olympic Track and Field season this summer. While this program was intended to be informal, Flash had great success at all levels of the competition. The Flash coaches thank the parents and families for your support and encouragement.
7/27-8/1/10 National Championships - Sacramento City College, Sacramento, CA
Of the 8 Flash athletes that qualified for the Nationals in one or more events, Justin Trott and Katie Ho Sang were the two athletes to travel the 3000 miles to represent the team in Sacramento, CA. Justin had another superb 3000 performance, knocking off another few seconds to finish 14th in the nation in a PR time of 10:8.06. And not to be out done, Katie also PR’d 2 of her 3 events, finishing the 200 in a PR 27.57 (24th nationally), the 400 in a record 1:01.34 (24th nationally), and the High Jump in 4’ 11” (17th nationally). Congratulations to Justin and Katie on their nationally ranked performances, and to all the Flash athletes that competed, improved, and had a good time throughout the season.
6/26-27/10 Regional Meet - Bowdoin College, Brunswick Maine
On June 26 and 27th, 12 of the 17 qualifying Flash athletes competed at Bowdoin College in Brunswick Maine. Only top 3 in each event qualify to go on. With 8 of the 12 earning marks that qualified them for the National meet (and many season PRs), it was a very successful weekend.
For the Bantam Girls, Elise Lambert had great performances but narrowly missed qualifying in the 400 (1:18.73, 5th) and Long Jump (PR- 11’ 5.5”- 4th), as did Mollie Simpson in the 200 (31:54, 5th). Mollie did qualify in the 400 (PR- 1:11.42- 2nd) and Long Jump (PR by over a foot- 11’ 11.75”, 3rd). For the boys, Max Syversen PR’d both the 200 (34.30- 4th) and the 400 (1:17.57- 7th). Owen Creed qualified in both his events, finishing 3rd in the 100 (PR- 14.85 prelim, 15.74 final) and 1st in the High Jump (3’ 5.25”).
For the Midget teams, Jessica Ewing ran the 800 in a PR 2:39.17, which qualified her in 3rd place. Sven Syversen ran very strong as well, finishing 1st in the 80 meter hurdles with a time of 16.96, and 5th in the 800 (2:54.19- 5th).
As the lone Youth Boy, Justin Trott crushed his 3000 time from the week before, again finishing 2nd with a PR time of 10:12.27. For the girls, Carol Syversen finished 4th in the 100 meter hurdles with a PR time of 19.55, and earned a qualifying 3rd place in the 200 meter hurdles finishing in 33.22. And in a feat only 8 other athletes in the New England region achieved, Katie Ho Sang won 2 events (400 in a PR 1:2.20 and High Jump in an almost 2 inch PR 4’ 11.5”), as well as earning a 3rd place finish in the 200 in a PR time of 27.93.
For the Intermediate Girls, Courtney Gabinetti qualified in both the 400 (1:1.50- 1st) and the High Jump (4’ 9”- 2nd), and also finished the 100 hurdles in PR time (17.76- 4th). Mikaela Rowell PR’d her discus by 6 feet (79’ 8”- 6th) and Javelin (75’ 3”- 4th) events, and also had a strong performance in the Triple Jump (26’ 7.25”- 7th). Our lone Intermediate Boy, Sam Gray ran a PR 2:12.03 in the 800, earning him a 5th place finish.

Katie at T&F Regionals at Bowdoin College. She qualified for the National meet in 3 events, placing 1st in the High Jump and the 400, and 3rd in the 200. Katie is one of only nine athletes in New England that had 2 wins in Maine.
6/19/10 Association Meet - Amherst, NH
Of the 22 Flash athletes that participated throughout the season, 19 competed at the 6/19 Association meet in Fitchburg, MA. Of those, 17 qualified to compete in an impressive 35 events at the Region 1 championships at Bowdoin College in Brunswick Maine.
At Fitchburg and for the Bantam (10 and under) girls, Elise Lambert qualified 2nd in the 400 (1:18.55) as well as Long Jump (10’9.5”), and Mollie Simpson qualified 2nd for the 200 (31.64), and 1st for the 400 (1:14.43) and Long Jump (10’11.25”). As for the boys, Cameron Flecchia finished a strong 12th in the 100 (20.03)- very strong for his first season. Max Syversen qualified 5th in the 200 (34.50), 3rd in the 400 (1:22.91), and 3rd in the Long Jump (12’4.5”). Owen Creed qualified 3rd in the 100 (15.10), 4th in the 800 (3:12.73) and 1st in the High Jump (3’10”).





In the Midget (11-12) girls group, Amy Lambert had strong 400 (1:21.70) and Long Jump (9’8.25”) marks that just missed qualifying. Hannah Gillis had a seasons-best Long Jump mark of 11’ 5”, and qualified 1st to advance in the 3000 (12:6.80). Additionally, Jessica Ewing also qualified 1st in the 800 (2:40.63). For the boys, Ethan Platt qualified in 6th place in the turbo jav (73’6”) and Sven Syversen qualified 2nd in both the 800 (2:48.60) and the 80 meter hurdles (16:32).
For the Youth (13-14) girls, Carol Syversen finished 14th in the 100 (14.50) and 11th in the 200 (30.45), and qualified in 3rd for the 100 meter hurdles (20.01) and 1st in the 200 meter hurdles (32.52). Katie Ho Sang qualified 3rd in both the 200 (27.77) and 400 (1:2.42), and 1st in the High Jump (4’9.75”). For the boys, Jake Rowell finished 14th for the 1500 and qualified 4th for the 200 meter hurdles (35.96). Justin Trott qualified 2nd in the 3000 (10:33.52) and Tyler DeChane finished 8th in the 800 (2:30.28) and qualified 5th in the 3000 (11:26.22).
And in the Intermediate (15-16) girls group, Courtney Gabinetti qualified 2nd in the 400 (1:1.68), 5th in the 100 meter hurdles (18:43), and 2nd in the High Jump (4’4”). Mikaela Rowell qualified 1st for the discus (66’8”), 2nd for the javelin (72’4”), and 5th for the triple jump (28’4.5”). The Intermediate boys had Sam Gray qualifying 1st in the 800 (2:12.51) and 3rd in the 3000 (10:43.05).
FLASH SUCCESS AT NASHUA'S
'FREEZE YOUR BUNS’ SERIES
A group of Flash runners participated in the Gate City Striders’ Freeze Your Buns series, a five race 5K series run in Nashua that wrapped up March 7th. On the boys side, Andrew Davy took 1st place overall in the Male 13-16 category. In the Female 1-10 category, Jessica Ewing finished first overall, with Mollie Simpson coming in a close second. In the 11-12 category, Hannah Gillis earned 1st place overall, with Natalie Howes finishing in second place. And in the 13-16 category, Meghan Gillis took 1st followed by Gabby Richardson’s 2nd place finish. Congratulations to all our Flash runners!
As an additional highlight, of the 192 runners that competed in the series, Hannah finished as the series’ overall points leader- male or female- with 4,440 points. She was followed closely by the runner-up points leader- her sister Meghan!- with 4,292 points. A maximum of 5000 total points is possible based on finish order and number of races run.
See all the series results at http://coolrunning.com/results/10/nh/Mar7_Freeze_set4.shtml
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Videos from 2009 Cross Country Season Available Online
2009 GSF Junior Olympic XC Compilation Video Part 1
2009 GSF Junior Olympic XC Compilation Video Part 2
2009 GSF Junior Olympic XC Compilation Video Part 3
2009 GSF XC - Regional Meet - Bantam and Girls Midget Races- thanks to Colum Creed
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Flash Results at the Nationals in Reno
Congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches on another very successful year of cross-country running. Of the 97 runners that entered 9 of the 10 age categories in Amherst's Association race, 8 teams and 5 individuals qualified for the Regional meet. At the Regionals in Maine, Flash qualified 6 teams and 5 individuals for the National meet in Reno, Nevada.

In total, 35 runners made the trip to Reno to compete in 8 age categories. It was cold in Reno, with at least six inches of old snow on the ground before the races even started, with fresh snow falling by late morning and continuing all day long. The start of the races were delayed by an hour as most people weren’t able to even drive to the course.

Despite the course conditions, weather, and high elevation (4600 ft at the course) all our runners made their families, their coaches, Granite State Flash and the New England region very proud. In addition to the strong team and individual results, we had 1 runner make All-American status (top 25 finisher). Congratulations to Gwenyth, who finished in 5th place for the Midget Girls.

Complete results and event pictures and videos can be found at the USATF website or our Results page. Check back here for pictures from Flash photographers and families. Thanks go to all the families that supported the Flash runners all season!
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2005-2008 Season Videos Now on YouTube
See links on Pictures page.
11/22/09 Regional Meet
Augusta, ME



Mark ran half his race after losing his left shoe, and still managed to medal. At the halfway point he got his shoe back on, and moved up from 38th place to finish 16th!
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11/8/09 Preliminary Race
Amherst, NH










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Fall 2009
Congratulations to all the middle and high school runners that competed over their season. You make your families, teams, communities and coaches very proud, and never fail in giving us all some very exciting races to cheer for!
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Some pictures from the season

Patrick wins Tri-County Boys "A" Race
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Alum Alex getting muddy at the Mt Epic Challenge


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Flash Runner Presented Award at USATF NE Annual Meeting
On September 17th 2009, Jack Collopy was recognized as the November 2008 Athlete of the Month at the USATF New England annual meeting. Family, friends, and Flash athletes and coaches were in attendance to celebrate the presentation. Here is a link to the USATF write-up.
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2009 XC school seasons begin for Flash runners!











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"There's nothing noble in being superior to some other man.
The true nobility is being superior to your previous self."