Sports

Acton Runner Takes 4th in Tommy Cochary High School Mile

Christine Davis competed in a road race honoring a Cape Cod athlete.

The conditions were ideal. The company of the fellow runners was inspiring. And it was all for a good cause.

Acton's Christine Davis was one of 20 elite student athletes from around Massachusetts who competed in the Cochary High School Mile in Falmouth on Aug. 10. The UMass freshman-to-be crossed the finish line in fourth in 5:20, 8 seconds off her personal best.

"For this point in the summer happy, I'm happy to get 5:20," she said, explaining she's been spending the summer training for the upcoming cross country season. "The conditions were perfect. It wasn't too warm, not too windy. And it was a great group of girls to run with."

Find out what's happening in Actonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The high school mile was renamed last year in honor of Tommy Cochary, a Falmouth runner who was killed in a drunk driving accident in 1990. This year, race organizers implemented a selection process to invite the best athletes who also embodied the values of the race and who have shown that they make smart choices in their lives. 

Christina was one of those student athletes invited to compete.

Find out what's happening in Actonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I was invited to submit an essay, and I found out (I was invited) just before Nationals," she said, mentioning her 4 x mile relay team from Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. "I remember when I found out the team was pretty excited.

"It was a lot of fun. (Host) New Balance did great job. It was inspiring to see all of the elite athletes be a part of it.

In memory of his life, the Cochary family provides the winning female and male each with a $2,500 grant to improve or implement change at their school in athletics or wellness. The schools, in collaboration with the donors, will be able to choose from options such as athletic equipment, team uniforms or afternoon wellness activities.

With the race behind her, Davis, who plans on studying chemical engineering, will continue her cross country training for the Minutemen.

"I'm leaving for UMass Amherst at the end of month. I'm excited to be on their team this fall."

For more information about the Cochary High School Mile, visit http://www.falmouthroadrace.com/high-school-mile

Tommy Cochary Massachusetts Girls H.S. One Mile Run

*New* Record: 5:14.01 – Stella Worters - Charlton, MA - 2013

1. Stella Worters - Charlton, MA   5:14.01

2. Megan Ratcliffe - Carlisle, MA   5:15.71

3. Catalina Dominick - Danvers, MA   5:17.64

4. Christine Davis - Acton, MA   5:20.72

5. Abby Seaberg - Plainville, MA   5:26.38

6. Julie Richer - Whitinsville, MA   5:28.32

7. Liz Holmes - Foxboro, MA   5:30.25

8. Ashley Monahan - Springfield, MA   5:36.55

Tommy Cochary Massachusetts Boys H.S. One Mile Run

*New* Record: 4:25.46 – Garrett O'Toole - Weston MA – 2013

1. Garrett O'Toole - Weston MA    4:25.46

2. Scott Carpenter - Lenox MA    4:28.20

3. Michael O'Donnell - Methuen MA   4:29.14

4. Owen Gonser - Wrentham MA    4:29.59

5. Ian Robertson - Medfield MA    4:30.47

6. Christian Stafford - Pembroke MA   4:31.80

7. Sean Robertson - Medfield MA    4:35.11


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Acton