Seann Pelkey always knew he wanted to be a teacher and cross country coach. The bonus, Pelkey says, is doing it at his alma mater, Quince Orchard.
As a runner at QO from 1992-94, Pelkey helped the Cougars to three state state titles. Twelve years later, Pelkey is using the same pack-running style stressed by his former coach, Jerry Link, and the team has similar ambitions.
The Cougars will attempt to win their second straight 4A West Region title Thursday at Watkins Mill, a stepping-stone to success at the state championship the following week. Last year QO placed a disappointing third at the state behind Broadneck and Sherwood.
“It’s our best chance. This is easily our best team,” said Pelkey, who has coached the Cougars for eight years. “We were a great pack team last year. Now the pack is running further forward.”
At the Montgomery County championships, the Cougars placed all seven runners in the top 23. Perhaps the most convincing evidence of QO’s depth came in the B race, as two more Cougars posted times that would have put them in the top 25. The veteran group includes three seniors and six juniors.
“We were ready to win states last year and it was a disappointment to finish third,” said Alex Rosenberg. “This year we’ve stepped up our goals.”
At QO the goal is to stay in the pack. And few can keep up. QO has won every meet this season.
“When you run in a pack, the pack pulls you along,” said junior David Laratta who finished 10th at the county meet. “It forces you to stay focused.”
Leading the pack has been junior Neal Darmody, an experienced road racer who came out for the team for the first time this fall. Darmody, who placed a team-best fifth at the county meet, has compensated for a subpar season by last year’s top runner, Reagan Lynch. The senior was sidetracked by an illness early in the season and is just starting to approach his previous form.
“Neal’s brought a lot of attitude, a new perspective,” said senior Greg Bove. “Even though we run as a team, one person can make a big difference.”
Cougars primed
» QO won three straight state titles (1992-94). Only one other boys team from Montgomery County has accomplished the feat, Whitman (1990-92).
» Pelkey was a region indoor champion in the mile as a junior and ran four years at LaSalle University.
» QO’s pack includes seniors Greg Bove, Alex Rosenberg and Regan Lynch, as well as juniors Neal Darmody, David Laratta, Josh Joson, Artem Panasenkov, Ryan Priovolos and Michael Migdall.
