Somers Finishes Large at Big Red Invitational

Photos are at end of article

On Saturday September 13, Westchester County lined up for the annual Big Red Invitational, and two Tuskers took home the Division 2 gold. Aidan See and Julia Duzynski, Duzynski definitely noticed the mercury. “It was so hot,” the senior lamented. Reflecting made her realize the actually difficulty, but she definitely couldn’t complain in the end

“I usually do well in the heat. It was running against myself,” she said, and leading the whole way was just the way it had to be by the finish line (19:28.3).

Sixty-six seconds later, onlookers might have thought they were seeing double. “I’m really happy for her, she’s been working really hard,” said Kaya Duzynski with second place finish (20:34.4).

Of course, the sophomore wasn’t selling herself short. “I’m really happy, because all my training over the summer paid off,” said the Tusker.

A commitment that doesn’t make her pause. “I just remember what I really want at the end of the day,” she assured.

The same for Parker Page, the sophomore finished 10th (22:12.8) and approved of the course’s refit. “There’s a lot less hills,” she exhaled.

Not bypassing them to train, she actually lost that opportunity so far this year. “I was hurt. This is my first race back, but I definitely did better than I expected,” said Page.

The runner gave credit to a lot of biking over the summer. “I was able to work my quads,” she revealed.

Limbered up for her start, Carolina Morocho stuck to the program in finishing fourth for Somers (22:37.8). “I didn’t start out too, too fast,” said the sophomore. “I was in stride like we do.”

Eventually she landed in a group to pace with and reached down. “I had to persevere,” said Morocho.

The wear and tear proved too much, though. “I did pass a few and then I was with Parker. But then I eventually lost her,” said the runner. “It wasn’t really a good race for me.”

Also recovering from an injury, the end had Somers cheering for her to move up on the board. “I got close but was unable to catch up,” said the 15th place finisher.

As for Aidan See, there was no one on his case. A 24 second margin at the finish line, Big Red was his first individual victory. “It means a lot to do it on our own course,” the junior assured.

Knowing what lay ahead, he took it easy on the opening flats, so he was ready for the hilly back end. “It helped me push harder,” said the winner (17:50.3).

So a bit behind at the softball field, he picked up the pace, took the lead and forged on. “I tried too create some space,” See said.

The big margin didn’t have the runner resting easy in the home stretch, though. “I didn’t want to be out kicked,” said See. “I’ve seen it before.”

In second, Gabriel Cacsire (18:14.2) would have needed an Uber, but he wasn’t giving in. “When I felt like I was about to burnout, I pushed more,” said the junior.

Training obviously played a part too, and in case 6AM runs have him hesitating under the sheets, he throws off the yoke. “I just got to do it, there’s no other choice,” said the Tusker.

In sixth, Christian Lobasso wasn’t too high or low about his day. “I think I did alright,” said the senior.

It didn’t help that he lost control of his breathing. “My airwaves don’t open all the way,” the Tusker revealed.

Pacing fine with See and Cacsire at the outset, he explained the adjustment. “I take bigger single breaths over smaller faster breaths,” Lobasso said.

Dropping back, the sixth place finisher (18:46.4) began making up ground behind the tennis courts. So in the home stretch, there were images in his rearview. “I didn’t want them to beat me, so I put everything into the last 600 meters,” he clarified.

A characteristic that is in keeping with the culture. “As a team, Somers is one of those teams that are dedicated to winning. So when our coaches motivate us to do something, we really put everything into trying to achieve it,” said Lenny Novichenko, who finished 14th (19:14.0).

And the final translation is an easy one for the runner. “We hope to win the sectionals and go to the states,” the junior concluded.

Click image for photos