Though only a junior, Strake Jesuit cross-country runner James Webb has plenty of work and some lofty goals ahead of him for 2007. On a path to following the footsteps of a few top runners in Crusader history, Webb is making sure he is prepared for the season that lies ahead. The Athlete’s Connection caught up with him at Memorial Park for a practice session featuring Strake Jesuit, Memorial, and Stratford high schools.

“There have quite a few runners to come through our school who were great,” Webb said. “Way back in the 70s there was a runner named Mike Novelli. He holds most of our (Strake Jesuit) district records.

“I want to prepare myself so that I can accomplish what he did.”

For starters, Webb crossed the line first in varsity boys division at the practice meet. He finished with a time of 16:09 in the 5K run. Despite the fact he finished first, Webb has better expectations for himself.

“Individually, I want to be running a 15:40,” Webb said. “As far as the team is concerned, I feel we have the runners to be a state-caliber team.”

On the Crusaders team, Will Harrington, Greg York, and Webb are the frontrunners. According to Webb, the camaraderie between the guys is great.

“This is a team sport,” Webb said. “We all do it (run) for each other. It is such a great feeling crossing the line and seeing a good time. People admire you when you accomplish great things.

“That is a feeling I want me and my teammates to have.”
 

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