North County News: Inaugural ‘Fun Run for the Nun’

NCN, May 26, 2010, Page S7

On May 23rd, over 500 people made the pilgrimage to Kennedy Catholic High School, to celebrate the lives of two important members of their community. The two honorees were: Sister Janet Meehan and Marc Napolitano.

Rev. Mark Vaillancourt, Ph. D., President, Principal and Mr. Alexander Malecki, Chief Advancement Officer, began the day with a mass in the auditorium in honor of former model Cross Country and Track athlete Marc Napolitano, killed in a January 10, 2010 crash upstate. Teammates, classmates, friends, and families came together to celebrate his life.

The action moved outdoors. Sister Janet Meehan was honored in word and in deed for her 50 years of service to the community. Many nuns, Kennedy faculty, former alumni, track stars that Sister coached past and present, well over a hundred current students were on hand to wish her well. This event simply further established her as a living legend.

There were over 200 active participants in the Fun Run running and field events. Nearly 100 runners entered the 5K. Cyclists led the way. Approximately 60 walkers completed 2 miles. 50 future stars (children) warmed up with the Kennedy Track team and enjoyed short runs and field events.

Keith Forlenza won the 5K event in a time of 16:50. Kennedy Captain Eric DiNome finished second with a time of 18:35.06. Jason Davin finished 1st in the under 18 class. He was 3rd overall.

Other top finishers included: 4th place - Brian Bagot (20:11.75), gold medalist in the over 50 category; 5th place – Zach Cecere (20:52.23), silver medalist in the under 18 category; 6th place – John Davin in the (20:54.16), bronze medalist in the under 18 category.

Former Kennedy runner and coach, Alicia O’Brien came back to her roots to capture a gold medal and 1st place finish among all women participants with a time of 22:30. Former Kennedy standout, Beth Mobilia, ran an outstanding 22:45 to take second among all women for the silver medal. Current Kennedy Catholic star, Jessica Kendzor, was third in a time of 23:39.

Kennedy’s Tara Cremin, Danielle Torcia, and Carolyn Grocia were 1,2, 3, gold, silver, bronze, in the under 18, female category. Tom McCabe and Christina McCabe dominated the 30-39 category for the men and women. Michael Racanello (gold), Anthony Ruvo (silver), and Mike Wynne (bronze) were the top three competitors in the men 40-49 group. Chris Hastings (27.47) finished second and Peter Healy (28:26) placed third in the men 50-60 group. Diane Thomas dominated the women 50-60 category with an excellent time of 25:39.

Team Wynne took home the majority of team/individual awards. Pat Wynne was the gold medalist in the over 60 men’s category with a superb time of 24:24. He was paced by Margaret Wynne Brennen (24:24), current Team Wynne family member. Margaret was the gold medalist for the 40-49 women’s division. Nancy Kelly (31:58) was the silver medalist in this division. Christine Juchen (33:51) was the bronze medalist. Maureen Wynne (26.37) was awarded a bronze medal in the 18-29 women’s division. Amanda Granada (24.21) also medaled (silver) in the competitive women’s 18-29, the only category in which 2 silver and 2 bronze medals were awarded for outstanding runs surpassing the standards.