2006 Boys Cross Country All-Stars

Central Catholic Senior

Repeat Eagle-Tribune All-Star. Finished second to Runner of Year Pat Fullerton of Haverhill in dual meet and MVC meet (16:32.2 for 5K at Chelmsford). Also finished second to Fullerton at Catholic Memorial (16:20.2 for 5K at Franklin Park) and was runner-up at the State Coaches Meet. "He's a very determined runner," said coach Rob Benedetto. Slowed by bronchitis for state meets. Likely headed to UMass Lowell.

DANNY WANG

Haverhill Senior

Hard worker who pushed Haverhill star Pat Fullerton to the limit in practice. Finished second to Fullerton in four dual meets. Finished third in Catholic Memorial Invitational with fine 16:29 for 5K at Franklin Park. Finished sixth at the MVC meet, 16th at the Division 1 Eastern Mass. meet and ran a solid 28th as third local runner at the All-State meet. "Danny has been responsible for a lot of our success the last few years," said coach Mike Maguire.

Methuen Senior

Captain and team leader paced Rangers to record-setting fifth straight MVC Meet championship, coming in fifth. Very steady all season. Won or tied for first in five dual meets. Came in fifth at Catholic Memorial Invitational, had best time at Franklin Park of 16:26 for 5K. Finished ninth at Division 1 Eastern Mass. meet and came in 19th at All-State meet. Likely headed to UMass Lowell for cross country and track.

Methuen Senior

Mr. Steady for Methuen. Placed first or tied for first in five dual meets. Came in seventh at MVC Meet, helping Rangers win fifth straight crown. Came in ninth at Catholic Memorial Invitational. Had personal-best time of 16:32 for 5K at Franklin Park. Recovered from tough class meet to take 29th at Division 1 All-State Meet. "Jose had a great career and was one of the most dedicated runners we've ever had," said coach Bill James.

ERIC McDONALD

Pentucket Junior

Third-time Eagle-Tribune All-Star. Keeps getting better. Placed first at Division 3 Eastern Mass. Meet with 16:23 for 5K at Franklin Park. Nipped Division 2 All-State winner Gabe Pacione of Hamilton-Wenham in classic dual meet. Placed second in Cape Ann League Meet. Third finisher in Division 2 All-State Meet. "He loves to race and has the same kind of drive as (the late) Steve Prefontaine," said coach Darrel Cox.

Pinkerton Senior

No. 1 runner for Astros team ranked No. 1 in New Hampshire most of the season. Finished third at Manchester Invitational Elite race with 15:55 for 3.1 miles at Derryfield Park, just 10 seconds behind Xaverian ace Mark Amirault. Ran 15:30 on home course, missing course record by two seconds. Sidelined by pneumonia in state meet series. Holds school record in 3,000 meters. Fine student, 720 in English part of SAT.

Londonderry Senior

Leader of Londonderry squad that fell four points shy of 17th straight trip to New England meet. Finished fourth at Mount Washington Invitational, 13th at Manchester Invitational Elite race, 13th at Manhattan Invitational (13:27 for 2.5 miles) and 13th at Meet of Champions as top local runner. Excellent middle distance runner in track, on Lancers fine 4x800 relay team last spring. "He was very steady for us, which you want," said coach Larry Martin.

Pinkerton Junior

Carried team late in season. Finished sixth as top local runner in Class L with 17:00 for 3.1 miles at Derryfield Park under horrific conditions. Top local finisher at New England Meet, taking 50th with steady 16:46 on difficult 5K course. Finished 18th at Manchester Invitational Elite race. "He's an efficient runner, but he's also a gutsy runner and he'll get better and better," said Pinkerton coach Mike Clark. Swim instructor when not running track or cross country.