Ostberg takes FL regionals; Gilbert first at NXN regionals

To no ones' surprise, Darien senior Alex Ostberg  was victorious at Saturday's Foot Locker Northeast Regionals. Ostberg, one of the country's top harriers, covered the challenging five-kilometer terrain of New York's Van Cortlandt Park in 15 minutes, 17.80 seconds. He was more than 15 seconds ahead of New Jersey's Luke Petela, who was timed in 15:33.40. Another Connecticut standout, Ari Klau of Willam Hall, was third in 15:35.60. 

Last year's Foot Locker National runner-up, Hannah DeBalsi of Staples, was second in the girls' race at 17:50.50. Pennslyvania's Brianna Schwartz of Shaler Area, won the race with a fast 17:35.20 clocking. New Fairfield senior Gabrielle Richichi was ninth overall with a time 18:10.60.

Based on their top 10 finishes, Ostberg, Klau, DeBalsi and Richichi earned berths to the national meet on Dec. 13 at San Diego's Balboa Park.

The Nutmeg State also had a winner at the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) Northeast Regionals. In the boys' race, Ridgefield's Austin Gilbert broke away from a tight group of five runners with 200-meters remaining en route to a winning time of 16:01.20.