Portsmouth Abbey School pride was in full evidence last week with the Headmaster's Run, an annual event that kicks off the Raven Cup competition.  Enthusiasm was high among the more-than 350 students, faculty and faculty families -- who turned out in much higher numbers than in the past -- as they shot off along the two-mile course following the starter's gun, fired by Headmaster stand-in Mr. McDonough (who filled in capably for Dr. De Vecchi, now in Asia with Mrs. De Vecchi).  Colorful team shirts, sweatpants and other festive attire -- including an 11-man snake, constructed and proudly displayed by the men of St. Bede's with the First Navy Jack "Don't Tread on Me" flag -- were the order of the day.   

El Kielb '11 captured first-place honors with a time of 12:21.  He was closely followed by second finisher overall and first girl, Olivia Fay '10 (12:32), who kept the Abbey girls in the game.  Line honors among the faculty went to Mr. Micheletti (13:51) as first male faculty finisher and Ms. Benestad (15:53), who was first over the line among female faculty.  Faculty children turned out in force as always and gave everyone a run for their money.  Leading the pack once again was perennial faculty child favorite Fletcher Bonin, who turned in a finishing time of 13.52. 

All participants received a "Headmaster's Run 2008" t-shirt upon completing the course.

Points earned by individual Houses reflected the level of participation in the Run by the students in each House.  The Raven Cup point and participation breakdown follows. View photos of the Headmaster's Run.  View Mr. Rainwater's  video of the St. Hugh's snake.

Manor House:  35/35 = 100% - 15 points
St. Aelred's:  52/55 = 95% - 14 points
St. Hugh's:  40/42 = 95% - 14 points
St. Mary's:  41/43 = 95% - 14 points
St. Leonard's:  39/42 = 93% - 13 points
St. Bede's:  41/46 = 89% - 12 points
St. Benet's:  40/49 = 82% - 11 points
St. Brigid's:  35/43 = 81% - 11 points

The next Raven Cup competition will be the Trivia Bowl, scheduled for mid-February.

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