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St. Clairsville's Zac Orzolek has had a busy fall for the past few seasons. On top of playing soccer for the Red Devils, he always is a member of the cross country team.
Orzolek qualified to the regional meet after placing 23rd at districts where he ran a time of 17:48.3.
"Last year was good," St. C coach Tony Ciroli said. "He was able to finish 60th at the regional. I had two guys make it to regionals and he finished 60th, which is not too bad. For me, as a coach, it was good for him to get the experience. Just because I do plan on going back again this year with him and hopefully with more of my athletes. I do plan on making that march toward National Trail with him this year and some other athletes.î"
National Trail Raceway is home of the OHSAA Cross Country state championships. Orzolek definitely shows he has the ability to run with the state's best as he turned in some impressive races last season, especially at the beginning.
He won the OVCCL meet clocking in with a time of 16:48. He then got first place at the Buckeye 8 Invitational a week later as he crossed the finish line with a time of 16:35.
With him also playing soccer, it's going to be a busy, year, but it's nothing that he can't handle.
ìConsitstantly on average, I get my boy athletes to lose 40 to 45 seconds every season as far as improvements," Ciroli said. "Have I had some that only lost 10, yeah. but on the other end, I have had some that have lost a minute or two. If he can stay consistent with some of the results Iíve had in the past, losing 30-45 seconds, Iíd be tickled pink. I think with losing that amount of time into his senior year, last year he finished 60th at regionals, I think if we can lose the 45 second part, collectively as a whole, I think thatís something, that where we should hopefully going to National Trail.
ìGetting to National Trail is a feat in of itself, but its a great way to end your senior year.î