Clermont runs amok in Hockomock

WRENTHAM — Franklin’s Nicole Clermont has done countless speed sessions over the final 400 meters of the Wrentham Developmental Center 5K layout over the past two years. She knows the section of the course insideout.

So when the Panthers junior hit the final quarter at yesterday’s Hockomock League Cross Country Championships, she instinctively shortened her stride and switched to kick mode, not that there was anyone near her.

Clermont surged across the finish line hoping to break 19 minutes for the first time. She fell just short, but her 19:06.49 destroyed the field and was good for a second consecutive Hockomock title. Teammate Kate Hartnett finished a distant second in 19:50.70 and Foxboro’s Abby Hassman was third in 19:56.80 in cool, calm conditions.

“There was a little pressure coming in but I had a lot of confidence,” Clermont said. “My goal was to go out at the gun and I thought people would come with me, but I was alone and it’s really hard to push. I tried to be relentless and have courage so I could keep extending (the lead). I was trying to get under 19 (minutes). I’ve never done that here. I was pushing myself and I had a lot left.”

Olivia Timbone was sixth overall in 20:23 to lead Oliver Ames to the team title (61 points).

There was plenty of competition in the boys race as Attleboro’s David Seybert stayed off the lead pace in the early going and let Andrew Lofgren of Taunton (fourth, 16:41.65) control the tempo. Seybert took the lead for good down the final hill on the straightaway, bursting past Mansfield’s Patrick Heavey on the way to a winning time of 16:23.2. Heavey finished second (16:24.59) and King Philip’s Mike Griffin (16:39.35) third. Lofgren was fourth (16:41.65).

“I didn’t think I had it until the last 100 (meters),” Seybert said. “(Heavey) started going and I thought I was going to lose him.”

Thanks to Heavey and Nick Rispoli (fifth, 16:48.93), Mansfield won the team title with 55 points.