On Friday, September 26th, the 13th Annual Harry Geraghty Cross Country Invitational took place at South Windsor’s Nevers Park.
A tradition since 2012, the Harry Geraghty Cross Country Invitational honors Mr. Harry Geraghty, a former cross country coach and decorated athlete.
Harry Geraghty was the second South Windsor Boys Cross Country coach following his coaching career of basketball, track and field, and cross country at Rockville High. When he made the switch to South Windsor, Mr. Geraghty continued to be both an admired and respected coach as well as friend amongst his students and colleagues.
“He was a great, great coach. There was something about him that could inspire kids. He knew how to talk to people to get them ready for a race,” Former Coach Steve Stoklosa said. “All of his runners were always very well prepared. Whether that was the best runner on the team, or the worst, they knew what they had to do to get better and better each meet.”
In 2011, the passing of 78 year old Mr. Geraghty was a devastating loss to many. In honor, his original coaching school of Rockville High started the invitational in his memory. After hosting the race for a few years, South Windsor High then took it among them to continue the legacy.
One of the primary purposes of the invitational is to generate scholarship money dedicated to runners, which is accomplished through entry fees and donations. South Windsor Boys and Girls Cross Country teams each get one senior winner for the $750 college scholarship thanks to the proceeds raised from the invitational.
“All of the proceeds we get from it [Harry Geraghty Invitational] goes towards the scholarship,” SWHS Boys Coach Pete Anthony said. “We’ve given out over $10,000 in scholarships.”
The original three SWHS Cross Country coaches were valued greatly by their runners, so much so that they planted a tree in dedication to their impact and footprint left on their lives.
“Right after I retired, the teams got together and planted a tree with a plaque on it dedicated to yours truly, Harry Geraghty, and Bob LeBreche,” Mr. Stoklosa commented. “I could learn more from those two guys in 5 minutes than I could from a professional coach’s clinic for a week. But at that point all three of us weren’t coaching anymore…”
This year, eleven statewide teams arrived to do their part in keeping Geraghty’s legacy alive.
The SWHS Girls Varsity team was highly successful. Claiming second place, they fell behind Manchester in a close race. They took home a trophy as an accolade for their performance. In addition, the boys ran against tough competition in their own race.
“I feel excited to see that the team is doing great and that everyone’s succeeding,” former runner Ares Savvides commented at the conclusion of the race.
For decades during his time and after, Geraghty’s devotion to the sport of cross country will continue to inspire young runners everywhere, and give them opportunities to shape their future.
