Athletes of the Week July 26
Meaghan Koontz Nana-Sinkam
Meaghan is a road running filly with a great name, a congenial personality, and she is smart and tough. Meaghan currently holds first-place masters filly (weight class) trophies for the JJ 5K state championship, the Masser 5-Miler and the Seashore Classic half marathon at Irish Eyes. “I started running with my daughter when she did Girls on the Run in third grade,” Meaghan said. “Now she’s a sophomore at Brown. I run about 80 to 140 miles a month.” Meaghan has an online coach from Wisconsin, Pam Berg. She joined a group for people who wanted to break 30 minutes for a 5K. Another coach, Kyle Lanier, recruited Meaghan to masters track and field. “This past March, I went to indoor nationals in Winston-Salem, and two weeks ago, I went to Ames, Iowa, for the USATF outdoor nationals. I entered every race that I could do or learn – I had to take a racewalking lesson – where I could come in last and still get at least a point for the team. I ran the 10K, 5K, 1,500, 800, 400, 4-by-400, 4-by-800, and 5K racewalk. I got 37 points for the team.” Meaghan got a degree from James Madison University.
Jen Perry
After Jen warms up for a race on a scorching-hot morning, she pulls an inhaler from her sports bra and takes a few hits, then continues the conversation. Then the 47-year-old former track athlete for the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown goes out and wins her age group like she did Saturday at the Santa Sprint 5K. She came back Sunday to win the JJ 5K. “In the summer, I run 20 to 25 miles a week. I also do lots of cross training by lifting weights, using the elliptical and classes on days I don’t run,” she said. “I run about 70 races a year, including five half marathons. I started running for the stress relief and to get back into shape after life just being in the way.” Jen has a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Salisbury University. “Currently, I work for the Office of the Child Advocate in the Office of the Investigation Coordinator,” Jen said. “Our office monitors all cases of child sex abuse, serious injury and death due to abuse. We monitor civil and criminal investigations to help ensure all victims get the best outcomes possible and services needed.”
Josiah C. Rickards
A 6-foot-2 rising freshman guard at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, Va., Josiah plays on the Boo Williams Summer League Premier 14U team that captured the AAU National Championship July 19. The Cape connection to this talented player with a 3.6 GPA entering high school is both his parents were Cape basketball stars – Charmin Jacobs and Chris Rickards. According to scouting reports, “He has a solid handle and can break defenders down with quick crossovers, change-of-pace action and the ability to maximize his length and quick burst. He pounds the glass relentlessly, especially on the offensive end. He has the lateral quickness and footwork to defend the perimeter and contain the dribble.” Josiah is listed as one of the top 80 rising freshmen in the nation. During Josiah’s free time, he volunteers at the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center feeding the homeless. He will attend three more camps to close out the summer.
Barritt Ross
A rising freshman at Cape Henlopen High School, Barritt has been a force to reckon with on the District 3 Junior League All-Star team this postseason. Barritt was at the plate with two outs and teammate Grant Parker on second in the bottom of the eighth inning with Brandywine. He calmly slammed a single to drive in Parker to win the game. He also struck out three Brandywine batters in relief on the mound. "He delivered a huge hit for the walk-off win," said manager Trey Isaacs. "Barritt plays great in center field covering a lot of ground, and he's one of our top pitchers. He is a fun kid and great athlete who is a pleasure to coach." An honor society student while at Beacon Middle School, he also played on the basketball and soccer squads. He plays golf in his spare time and hangs out at the beach.
