Bobcat Meet Hub
On Saturday, 9/10, Oyster River High School and DeMeritt Hill Farm will play host to teams from across NH, across divisions. The course at DeMeritt Hill, as the
name implies, is notoriously hilly with grinding up-hills and rip-roaring downhills as runners navigate double-wide trails and rows of apple trees. A new configuration is in store for all harriers this year which involves 3, essentially 1 mile loops. This will prove to be spectator friendly as well as views which are one of a kind but scream NH!!
On the girls side, the Bobcat will be the first time we see the state’s number 1 Dover take on number 2 Oyster River. Both teams are ranked at the top of their respective divisions. Looking forward to seeing who will reign supreme in this early season tussle. Dover with Bartz, McIntyre, Marshall and friends while the Bobcats have their leaders as well with Mackenzie Cooke and Natalie Kavanagh at the helm. But do not discount the hosts as their supporting cast is just as strong! Depth will be the decider here. Fresh off their Cofrin Classic victory, seriously watch Bedford (NH-4)as they looked like world beaters led by Fiona Lee. Expect this to become a three team battle. Concord (NH-3), Winnacunnet (NH-8) and Hopkinton (NH-9) are the other ranked teams making the trip to Madbury.
On the boys side, Exeter (NH-3) is the top ranked NH team competing. Watch out for the Blue Hawks as they return their entire varsity team from 2021. Looking to challenge them will certainly be Hanover (NH-4) which returns almost as much and are perennially a hungry bunch. Two historically proud programs, Londonderry (NH-8) and Concord (NH-9) will be looking to prove they deserve to be moved up in the rankings after this weekend as well.
Individually we may be in for a barn burner as fast as that can be at DeMeritt! Expect Portsmouth Christian’s Brianna Malone, OR’s Cook and Kavanagh, Dover’s Marshall, Bortz, McIntyre, Bow’s Susannah Zahn and Maya Brochu, Winnacunnet’s Charlotte Koutaldis, Bedford’s Lee and Exeter’s Meadow Gregory. As always look for the surprise or two this early in the season!
Boys will feature 2021 Bobcat winner Gilford’s Patrick Gandini. Entering his senior campaign, this course is made for him. One would think he has to be the favorite to repeat; however, eyes will also be on Lebanon’s Birhanu Harriman. Coming off a breakthrough track season Harriman will certainly challenge Gandini. Mixing it up for sure will be Londonderry’s Ryan Fortin and Sean Clegg, Bedford’s Jacob Redman, Concord’s Liam Gleason and freshman Josiah Conley, Exeter’s Matt Allen, Spencer Mann and Willard Hoffsmaster, and Portsmouth Christian’s Jonas Teeter.
It’s early yet in the season and for most teams this is the first invitational of the season. We’ll see you on the hill!
NHCC Note: As with the past several years, NHCC will be there to snap pics, interview and video! We will also be selling 2022 NHCC long sleeve tees!! Stop by the tent to grab yours!
