INTERVIEWS: DGN at Solorio Sun Warrior Invitational

Senior Fiona Cismesia and freshmen Gianna Ferraro, Regan Merkin and Becca Mansikas responded about their races at the Solorio Sun Warrior Invitational Saturday, Oct. 1, at Marquette Park Golf Course in Chicago.

Fiona Cismesia (3rd, 20:19.0 for 3.0 miles), No. 1 team finisher

There was only one race, combining all three levels. How did the change affect you?
“Due to the weather, they ran one large combined race. The biggest issue I had with the combined race was that there were more people than I expected.”

How would you evaluate your race?
“I think I had a great race this weekend. I was able to push through the weather and I tried to use it to the best of my advantage. Other people seemed discouraged by the weather, but I tried to embrace it.”

How were the race conditions?
“The course itself was very nice. It was just the weather that caused some issues. There wasn't much mud, but there were many puddles. The conditions definitely concerned everyone though because the runners had to be more alert as we ran.”

Is this the highest place you’ve finished in a high school race?
“It felt great finishing third this weekend and even better setting a new PR (personal record). It was also a cool experience to be running with the frontrunners. I think the race definitely helped set a new goal for me for the last two meets of my high school career.”

How was the battle for third place with Solorio runner Kaylani Esteban (4th, 20:22.9)?
“(Esteban) was pretty far ahead of me for most of the race, but around the last mile she began to drop her pace and that is when I saw my opening. In the last 800, I passed her and was able to just keep my lead through the finish.”

Gianna Ferraro (11th, 20:55.7 for 3.0 miles), No. 2 team finisher

Apparently there was just one race, combining all three levels. How did that format change affect you? 
“There was only once race because of the weather conditions. I feel like it made it a bit harder for me because that just meant there were more people to have to pass.”

How would you evaluate your race?
“This race for me was definitely not my best. I know I've ran much better (20:21 at Lake Park Invite Sept. 10). I didn't feel that strong and I didn't have near as much stamina as I have had previously.”

How were the course conditions?
“The race conditions were on and off. When we got there, it started to pour, and it poured all throughout warmups and the start of the race. During the race it started to lighten up but the course was full of puddles and mud and it did make it quite hard.”

Is this the highest place you’ve finished in a high school race?
“Although my time has been way better before, this is the highest I have placed. I feel as if it is an accomplishment, there were only a few times and the race wasn't that big. Also, the fastest seven girls before us that ran varsity at Solorio weren't there either.”

Regan Merkin (15th, 21:03.8), No. 3 team finisher

There was just one race, combining all three levels. How did the change affect you?
“The change in race time was a bit sudden, so I didn't end up having as much time to get ready before we warmed up, but other than that it was nice to get to warm up and run together as one big team.”

How would you evaluate your race?
“I ran a PR (personal record) and was overall very happy with my time and place.”

How were the race conditions?
“It was super cold when we started warming up in the rain, but once I wasn't so cold I think the rain helped me because I wasn't ever hot during the race.”

Is this the highest place you’ve finished in a high school race?
“Yes, it was a cool experience to be able to run with people who really knew what they were doing.”

Did you run most of the race with seniors Meg Kelly (16th, 21:05.4) and Maggie Tierney (17th, 21:05.8)?
“Yes, I was with one of them for the whole race, and they pulled me up a lot. I definitely wouldn't have ran half as well as I did if I wasn't pacing with them."

Becca Maniskas (23rd, 21:43.0), No. 8 team finisher

How would you evaluate your race?
"For me this race was pretty good. My main focus was on place so I tried to focus on passing people, especially from other teams as much as possible. I still feel like I have a TON of room for improvement to do in races."

How did the race conditions affect you?
"The rain always helps me because it's cold. I can't feel my legs so I tend to be able to run fast."

Did you run together with freshman Lauren Egan (24th, 21:43.4) most of the race?
“I didn't run with Lauren at all really. I do remember hearing her behind me, telling me to push it when we had about a half mile left.  I think that's what i really need to do.  After the first mile, I feel as if I slow down a little when I should be pushing it even more. Overall, it was a better race for me though.”

The three levels of races were combined because of bad weather. Because you and Lauren were the No. 9 and 10 finishing freshman/sophomores in the final overall results, did you receive awards?
“I don't believe Lauren and I received awards, but if we had run only fresh/soph we would've for sure.”