Jordan-Elbridge Cross Country

The 1987 Federation Meet was held at Fayetteville-Manlius H.S. during a blizzard that struck the central New York region just before the race.  The 9-degree weather in Syracuse broke a 19 year record for the lowest temperature ever.  Over 50 runners were treated for frostbite and hypothermia - 6 were taken to the hospital with their injuries.  The day was shortened when local rescue officials said that they could not treat any more of the injured runners and that the races had to be cancelled.  In the photo, the J-E runners were clearly prepared for the weather with snowmobile suits, wool hats, and mittens.  "I sacrificed our place in the race so we could finish without the risk of injury" said Coach Roman, "this was easily the worst racing day I'd ever witnessed".  J-E finished 31st in the race without any regrets from Coach Roman.

Photo above - September, 1987: Bryan Place, Jeff DeSellems, and Rory Thorpe run as a pack in a victory over Homer.