Epic Performance at Chestnut Hill Cross Country Classic

Wissahickon Wanderer events have been the scene of many wonderous performances over the years. For instance, Jeff Hayes' successful assault on the 5-minute barrier in the Wanderers Open Mile race at last spring's Chestnut Hill Academy Relays, or Scott Quitel's brave conquest of Mt. Smokey in the 2000 Cabot Trail Relay, or Wayne "Crusher" Hamilton vanquishing the same mountain in the 2002 version of the relay.

But none of these feats could match the performance of Peter Rook at the 2nd annual Chestnut Hill Classic on September 20. Peter, 23, simply annihilated the field winning the three-mile race in 15:49. Peter's remarkable time was only a few seconds off the course record.

Regional cross country strongman Chuck Shields held off a charge from defending champion Bill Gould to finish second in 17:07. Bill was timed one second slower.

Top female finisher was 16-year-old Faye Korich who completed the hilly course in 19:56.

Jeff Palombaro led the Wanderers coming in sixth place in a time of 18:10. Fred Kenney grabbed 10th place 19:14. Other Wanderer standouts were Michael Branca who finished 20th in 20:41, Werner Krandick 36th in 22:21 and Petra Kretschmann 44th in 24:54.

The combination of high humidity, heat and rolling hills made the course a demanding one for the field of 53 runners.

Leslie Turchetti was magnificent as race director bringing order out of chaos. Randy Clever, who has been on the injury list for the last month, stopped by to watch the event and was immediately pressed into service. A big thanks also to Coach Paul Hines and Athletic Director Stan Parker for staging the event for the Wanderers.

Click here for race results

Top Finishers: MEN

Top Finishers: WOMEN

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