By TIM MORRIS
Facing the greatest challenge to ‘the streak’ Christian Brothers Academy’s cross-country team rose to the occasion once again when the program extended its national record for consecutive dual meet victories to 345.
The Colts, ranked No. 4 nationally, were facing another nationally ranked team, No. 19 Colts Neck, in their first dual meet of the season on Sept. 13.
As if that weren’t enough of a challenge, CBA had to run without two of its top three runners, who were out with injuries.
But, no task is too great for CBA. Running before alumni who were part of the streak and fans on their home course on the school’s Lincfort campus to help push them, the Colts overcame their greatest test.
Colts Neck, led by Jordan Brannan, who shattered the CBA course record with his winning time of 14:22, pushed the Colts like never before.
No CBA team or any team has run faster on CBA’s home course than the Colts did in holding off the Cougars.
Colts Neck had the edge up front, finishing 1-3-5 to CBA’s 2-4. But, then CBA’s incredible depth took over with its runners finishing 6-7-8-9 to clinch the hard-fought 27-32 triumph to extend the streak that began in 1974.
CBA’s runners set a new team average course record of 14:50.6.
“They ran tremendously,” said CBA head coach Sean McCafferty after the race. “We were facing a top 20 team. We had to step up and run and they did,”
Manalapan also competed in the tri-meet and the Colts beat the Braves, 15-50.
CBA’s national record stood at 343 when the season began, and with the double victory, it now stands at 345 and counting.