Neil McNeil Catholic High School wins 16th straight overall city cross country championship

For the 16th year in a row, Neil McNeil Catholic High School’s boys cross country team are the Overall Champions of the Toronto District Catholic (Colleges) Athletic Association (TDCAA).

And for the fifth year in a row, Neil McNeil won the title by sweeping all of the age divisions at the TDCAA cross country championships held on Oct. 25 at Sunnybrook Park.

The Neil McNeil runners will now go on to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships set for next week in Ottawa.

At OFSAA on Nov. 4, Neil McNeil will be looking to win its fourth straight Overall Championship in the boys division.

At the Sunnybrook meet last Friday, Neil’s Novice, Junior and Senior boys all won the team titles.

Leading the Novice team was bronze medalist Ben Devine. He was followed by Liam Batchelor in fourth; Lucas Haden in fifth; Jack McLaren in seventh; and Joseph Skilicorn in ninth. In the race, Neil McNeil had nine of the top 20 placings.

In the Junior race, Neil was led by Emmett Karim who was the silver medalist. He was followed by Jack Cowan in fourth; Max Ramsay in fifth; Matteo Cuesta in sixth; and Josh Duhamel in 10th. In the race, Neil had 11 of the top 20 placings.

Xavier Gordon, with a gold-medal winning run, and bronze medalist Finn Veale led the Senior team to victory. They were followed by Kebron Seyoum in fourth; Ian Yusti fifth; Cecil Jenkins in sixth: and Owen Mielniczuk in eighth.

Head Coach Jason Wood and assistants, Abigael Layton, Anne Buckley, Ashley Masterson and Steve Masterson are now preparing the team for next week’s OFSAA meet at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility in Ottawa.