The newest additions to the Hilltoppers are: Leo Flores, a 2.05 half-miler in high school, Leo hopes to run competitively this fall on the team. However, work (20 hours per week) and a heavy academic load could curtail his running. Kevin Anderson, a classmate of Leo, Kevin showed his mettle in the 1972 WCAL XC finals, outkicking five runners in the final quarter-mile to make All-WCAL as a soph. Injuries and work have set him back, but he hopes to run. Jose Vilar, the compact (5'5", 110 pounder). Vilar proves the point that dynamite does indeed come in small packages. The Philippines District Junior Champion at 800 meters last year, he also ran to a 1500-meter silver-medal effort and also won a team bronze medal in the 3000-meter cross country race.
The lead pack soon began to thin out at the second mile, as only Jay Domek of St. Mary's, Nowak, and the Hayward Horses forced the issue by pulling away from the very competitive Gates and Dolan, and also leaving assorted Gaels and Broncos in arrears. Short on conditioning but in the thick of it, Lam, Ware, promising talent John Kennedy, veteran Dave Durrett,who was last year's number 3 Don Strider, Kimball Daifotis, and Jose Vilar, all clung to the leaders of the second echelon Then it happened. Two gargantuan hills proved to be the downfall of many a harrier. The first hill consisted of a steady uphill grade, while the second mile-long ascent seemed to guide the weary in the direction of Mt. Everest. It did indeed take its toll. From there it was a simple matter of survival, as Nowak (30:24 for 9th) came across the line thoroughly spent, as did No. 2 Hilltopper Pete Gates (31:43 for 19th), showing good closing speed nevertheless. No. 3 USF Bob Dolan (32:07 for 30th) finished well ahead of his nearest challenger by a half-minute, Burns of St. Mary's. Surprising in the No. 4 slot was Gary Lam, late of St. Louis HS in the Garden Paradise. His 35:13 for 27th was creditable, as blisters held him back to a slower finishing pace. Running in oppressive heat and humidity, the Don Striders made a strong bid for a possible team victory as Nowak, Eastern States cross country prep standout Bob Dolan, on loan this semester from Boston College, and Don captain Peter Gates, bolted from the start to share the lead with CSH's soon-to-be winners Romigniere and Embody (both 1:49 half-milers). Also in good striking range were future team-scoring placers Gary Lam and Russ Ware, running well for their first race of the season. (TheFoghorn).
