February 09, 2016
FIVESTAR CROSS COUNTRY CAMP COUNSELORS POISED TO MAKE OLYMPIC DREAMS REALITY
It’s not often that athletes get a chance to make the dream of becoming an Olympic athlete more than just a daydream. It’s even less often that this kind of athlete gets to work together with other likeminded athletes to pursue the dream and share the dream and the pursuit with youth who someday wish to aspire to such heights. Yet five Star Cross Country Running camp has five such athletes and they are closing in on making the dream reality. In fact one of the staff’s dream has become reality and she will attend the 2016 Olympics as a clinician for the team. For four others, the race is on as they will all compete in the 2016 Olympic trials
Britanni Cookinham, Athletic Trainer, came to Five Star in 2012 as a trainer and shared her knowledge, expertise and dream of becoming an Olympian. After two years, Cookinham moved on to pursue her dream and the dream became reality. Cookinham has been appointed by the US Olympic Committee to the clinician position last month and will be on the sidelines and in the field house at the 2016 Olympics.
Long time camper and then counselor Kyle Merber, formerly of Columbia U and U. Texas, is on the verge of qualifying in the 1500m. Merber holds the NCAA 1500m record at 3:35.59, has run 3:53 in the mile and will vie for a spot on the Olympic team this July. Merber, who is sponsored by Hoke one one, has been to 5Star every year since 2006.
Riley Masters, formerly of U. Maine and U. Oklohoma has run 13:17.97 for 5K, as well as 3:36.49 for 1500m and is sponsored by Brookes. Masters will also toe the line to make a serious attempt to make the team. Masters has been to camp each of the last four years and is a popular counselor.
Sara Sutherland, formerly of U. Colorado and U. Texas, is setting her sites on the middle distance events and could show in the 1500 to 5K. Sutherland has returned from a long term injury to keep the dream and is moving forward. Sutherland came to camp in 2015 and was a big hit with all campers.
Aaron Dinzeo, formerly of California U, PA has posted 28:40 for 10K and just placed second in the USA Cross Country senior men’s championship in 31:47. Aaron looks to be in the mix this July.
Carrie Tollefson, yes that Carrie Tollefson of Villanova and Olympic fame, spoke and ran at camp last year and will return, unless she is tapped to be a commentator at the Olympics this summer. Everyone enjoyed the enthusiasm, knowledge and personality that Tollefson brought to camp last year.
This just in, Julia Lucas of 2012 5K fame will spend a couple days at camp this year. Lucas has run 15:08.52 for 5K. Lucas is now coaching for Niketown NYC.
Campers News
Two time camper, Chris Biondi won the 3200m, the 1000m and the 1600m in the highly competitive Orange County League championships last weekend. It’s the first time that feat has been accomplished since 1984.
Four time camper megan Reilly has run 10:10 for 3K, 4:36 for 1500m and 2:54 for 1000m so far this season AND just committed to Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, CA.
Congratulations to our long time staff and campers.
We Are Five Star!!
Richard Furst, Camp Director