Slick wins cross country Memorial 5K

On Saturday, July 29, the Churchville-Chili cross country team hosted a 5K race at Black Creek Park honoring two former runners. Eighty-two runners competed on a challenging course in extremely hot conditions. This year's run was the first time this race has been run on a cross country course.

The race is in memory of two former Churchville runners who were both tragically killed in car accidents through no fault of their own. James Francis Jr. was a track and field standout for the Saints and Andrea Kofahl also ran track and cross country for Churchville. The proceeds from the race go to a scholarship fund for the Churchville-Chili running programs. Each year two awards are given in honor of James and Andrea to Churchville-Chili athletes who demonstrate sportsmanship, hard work and a passion for running and life.

The race was won by Jerimie Slick of Chili in 16:51. Jerimie also ran a 15:27 5K the night before. Nick Lowe of Spencerport was second in 17:23. Tim Chichester was third in 17:27. The overall female winner was Megan McKee with a time of 24:21. Christine Klein finished second with a time of 25:02. Rachel MacDonald was third in 25:29.

Special thanks go to the Churchville-Chili cross country program, Joe Steinwachs, Bill Wood, the Francis family, the Kofahl family, the Glor family, Keith Ryan and the Suburban News, Eric Boyce, Dave Bateman, Pete VanPeursem, Roberts Wesleyan College, Krony's Pizza Spencerport, North Chili Family Restaurant, the Ogden Farmers' Library and to all of the runners and volunteers who helped with the event.

For more race information and photos visit: www.jamesfrancis5k.batemantech.com

August 13, 2006