Berkshire sophomore Madison Romask beat the heat and 246 other runners to win the 2017 JB Firestone Invitational at Black River High School in Sullivan, Ohio on Saturday.
Romask, who was second at the event last year, finished in 19:59, seven seconds ahead of Loudonville’s Emma Hinkle. It was her first varsity invitational win.
“Winning a race is a new feeling,” Romask said. “It is a little intimidating, but it is fun. My time was slower than last year, but this year was a lot hotter. The course has some hills, but overall it is very nice. I am happy with my time.”
After placing second last year, Romask came in with the goal of again finishing near the front of the pack.
She hit the two-mile mark and went for the win.
“I thought I had a good chance at placing well this race,” she said. “I realized I had a chance at winning around the two-mile mark, so I tried to finish fast because I knew the girls were right behind me.”
In addition to the invitational title, Romask gained plenty of confidence she’ll use down the stretch of the season.
“I am very excited I won it, but there are still a lot more races to run and the important ones are still coming up for me and the team,” she said. “We are getting better every day and hope to go far this season.”
Sophomore Lizzy Dingman finished 28th for the Badgers with a time of 22:47 and senior Natalie Girolamo also finished among the top 50. She ran a time of 23:29, good for 47th place.
Senior Amy Pfiester (23:58), senior Macie Donaldson (25:16), senior Riley Schultz (25:19) and junior Melanie Rackoczy (25:22) also competed for the Badgers, who finished ninth overall.
