Medford Runner Wins State Qualifying Race

Story Updated 5:37PM, Sunday, November 9, 2008

– Allison Goldsberry

Weeks of knee trouble and a very ill-timed fall did not stop Phil Galebach on Saturday.

The Medford High School senior and cross-country star won his race and ran the fastest time of the day- 15:54 – at Franklin Park at the MIAA Eastern Cross-Country Tournament.

Galebach went out fast and did not let up the entire race, even when he fell behind about two miles into the three mile course.  He battled with Boston Latin Academy’s Omar Abdi and Ahmed Ali for the lead, and with about 500 yards to go, Galebach took a tumble but was back on his feet in a flash and sprinted down the home stretch with enough speed to edge Abdi at the finish line.

The win secured Galebach a spot in next Saturday’s All-State meet, where he will square off against the stiffest competition in the state.  Galebach finished fourth last year and is definitely in contention for the top spot.

After that race Galebach will set his sights on a major regional race in New York the day after Thanksgiving, a race in which his teammates will join him.  A great finish for Galebach in that race could qualify him for the national cross-country championships.

Five of Galebach’s teammates ran with him in the race on Saturday- David Catalado (213, 20:50), Ryan McCarthy (228, 21:49), Steven Mortell (230, 21:52), McGovern Regan (233, 22:31), and Matthew Silkes (235, 23:37).

Five lady mustangs also competed in the meet- Katherine Picarde (99, 22:40), Erika Silva (102, 22:47), Leanne Bordinaro (117, 23:14), Nicole Martignetti (142, 24:20), and Bernice Galebach (145, 24:24). The girls, Greater Boston League champions this season, will also compete in New York.