Family run-union

Annual fun get-together kicks off season for Salem girls cross country program

  The second-most unique thing about the reunion that was held Thursday afternoon at Cass Benton Park in Northville was that there were no ribs cooking on the grill, no potato salad and none of that Jell-O stuff filled with marshmallows.
  The most unique trait that set Thursday's get-together apart from most traditional reunions was that there was a lot of running.
  In other words, you're more apt to shed pounds at this reunion, not put them on.
  For the past four years, Salem girls cross country coach Dave Gerlach has hosted an event that attracts current runners, former ones and their family members. The highlight of the day is a 5K run over the relentless hills of Cass Benton.
  Like most family reunions, there was a lot of laughter and camaraderie shared among the attendees.
  "I love the environment here," said Sarah Kosteva, who earned a spot on the Rocks' all-time "Top 10" times board in 2005. "There's a great vibe at these get-togethers. I couldn't sleep last night I was so excited for today."
FAMILY ATMOSPHERE
  Marisa Carpinelli, a former teammate of Kosteva and a fellow member of the "Top 10" list, echoed Kosteva's sentiments.
  "There was such a feeling of team unity when I ran cross country at Salem and that feeling never goes away, no matter how many years ago you graduated," Carpinelli said.
Gerlach said the annual "Blue-White" scrimmage has been an unqualified success since the inaugural one in 2006.
"When I helped found this program 15 years ago, I wanted it to be a big family," the veteran coach explained. "That's what it has turned out to be. There are some former runners who couldn't make it today, but their parents are here running. It's a special day for the program."
  If the Rocks' season matches the drama level of the "Blue-White" 5K, it should be a barn-burner. Captains Jordyn Moore and Victoria Tripp tied for first after sprinting the final 200 yards.

  To read a preview story on the 2009 Salem girls cross country team, return PlymouthCantonSports.com on Saturday.