10-26-08 NSCHSAA Championship

St. Anthony’s runners fly off the starting line.

BY JASON MOLINET

Tim Dearie’s heart sank as he caught sight of the runners charging down the home stretch on Sunday at the Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA boys cross country championships at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park. The St. Anthony’s coach knew his team blew an opportunity to win the team title.

“We were first, third, fourth and fifth with a half mile to go – and there were gaps,’’ Dearie said. “They gave it away.’’

More like Chaminade took it. The rival Flyers placed four runners among the top six finishers of the 5K race, including winner Michael Kiley, who took the individual title in 17 minutes, 0.7 seconds. That overwhelming force helped Chaminade edge out St. Anthony’s for the team title, 28-37.

Friars senior Rob Cherkis of East Northport took the lead up Cardiac Hill, but was overtaken by Kiley at the moat and couldn’t make up ground down the back stretch. Cherkis finished second in 17:08.5, eight seconds behind Kiley but a full 11 seconds ahead of anyone else.

“Our overall expectation was to win,’’ said Cherkis, who is considering Temple and Fairleigh Dickinson. “But I guess everyone has their day.’’

Junior Kenneth Walshak finished fourth (17:23.60). Junior Patrick Murphy placed seventh (17:29.00). And senior Todd Sather was eighth (17:34.00).

Dearie was hoping for a stronger finish from each, starting with Cherkis. His message afterward was a simple New Yorkism.

“It ain’t over til it’s over,’’ Dearie said.

There’s always another day. The state CHSAA championship is next, Nov. 8 at Van Cortland Park.