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[by the First Grade class]
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Saint Joseph School of Downers Grove
Tailgate Trot Recap
St. Joseph School in Downers Grove brought over 300 runners to its
inaugural 5K & 2.5K Tailgate Trot. All ages were invited to
participate in this first time event.
Taking Overall First Place was Naperville's Jason Moderi finishing in 18:02.4 and averaging a 5:49/minute. "This was a well-done inaugural event," he said. Moderi averages one to two races per month and began running about five years ago. He adds, "Age is no limiting factor. You never know who you'll be up against in any one race."
SJS alumnus (Class of 2008) Brendon Gesior was Moderi's competition in this race. Running his first 5K, Gesior finished less than 30 seconds behind Moderi. This freshman from Benet Academy ran with his family and had one up on most runners as he plays soccer and hockey. "My coaches really work us. We have to do 14 minute wall sits with 25 lb medicine balls and run the stairs. I was pretty surprised that I finished second. It was nice to race."
Woodridge resident and St. Joseph 1987 Alumna, Sarah Schallmoser and
her mother, Mary McPartland both took 3rd in their divisions. "It was
a wonderful family event. My 4 & 5 year olds ran the entire race
along side us." Schallmoser's husband is a marathon runner, so it's
becoming more a family affair. Schallmoser is relatively new at
running, having run for less than one year. "Having a brother in
Afghanistan with the World Vision Organization, I ran my first race to
raise money for his cause."
Taking Overall Female First Place was St. Joseph 8th grader, Lindsey Menard (23:27.4 7:34/M), who ran alongside her dad, Jim throughout the race. Lindsey has been running track for St. Joseph as well as practicing her cross country run. "My dad is a good runner, and he helped me pace myself through the race." This was a family event for the Menards. Nearing the finish line, Lindsey was sticking by her dad. "I was running out of gas, so I told her to go after her brother (Jack)," explained dad. Jack, a freshman, was just ahead. Jack sprinted with Lindsey to finish less than a second ahead of her. SJS 8th grade twin, Shannon, running more for fun, took 3rd place in her division.
St. Joseph will again host this 5K Run Tailgate Trot next year to help
celebrate its school's Centennial year.