Runs unorthodox course in 15:42 By BOB LEDDY R.I. Track & Field Foundation Correspondent
4 Dec. - - Mike Marsella has enjoyed a full cross country season. The Chariho High senior ran 15 minutes, 35 seconds to capture the Manchester (N.H.) Invitational in September, and was the top Rhode Islander (15:25) in the championship race of the Brown Northeast Championships at Goddard Park.
Back in league competition, Marsella won the Class A race, followed by his 15:50 performance to claim the state individual crown. Not to be outdone by his own achievements, the Charger “long ranger” captured the New England championship - again in a time of 15:25.
Post-season, Marsella joined his Charger teammates at the Nike Northeast Regional Championships, held in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. Though his team failed to qualify for the U.S. title, Marsella finished fourth, good enough to earn a berth to the Nike National race in Portland, Oregon.
And the Man from Chariho concluded his cross country season in fine fashion, placing 19th in a field of 199 of the country’s top runners. Marsella clocked 15:42.96 on a 5:04 pace. (The race was won by Futsum Zeinasellaissie, of Indiana, in 15:03). Weather conditions reportedly damp, with temperatures in the 30s.
“He gave it a good shot,’’ said Bill Habarek, the Chariho boys’ coach. “We didn’t want him to go out too hard. He made his move in the second mile (after a 4:53 split), and that gave him his [final] position. He left it out there, and that’s all you can ask.’’
If nothing else, the opportunity to run the Portland Meadows 5,000-meter course proved to be a unique experience for the runners. “It’s a pretty amazing [site],’’ Habarek said, explaining that the basically flat course surrounded a horse track, and was punctuated by man-made hills and hay bales.
“Mike was fine with the hills and [bales],’’ the Charger coach said. “But it was cold. Mike had trouble feeling his face, and he was still getting over a cold.
“It’s been a great experience for him,’’ Habarek added. “He’s made some great friends out here. It’s been a long season for him.’’
