Two of Ridgewood’s top cross country runners are brothers. But while Kevin Moore, a junior, is an established varsity runner and Kieran Moore is a freshman, the elder sibling doesn’t have to be a sage for the younger one.
“He’s the more talented runner,” Kevin Moore said. “He doesn’t need much guidance in terms of running.”
The Moores have consistently been among the Rebels’ top three finishers. Kevin Moore has cut up to 40 seconds off his times from last year, and Kieran Moore won three freshman/sophomore meets before being moved up to varsity late last month. On Friday in Elmwood Park, the brothers finished with Ridgewood’s best two times as Kieran Moore finished 38th (17 minutes, 36.1 seconds) and Kevin Moore came in 57th (18:42.8).
There’s no bitter rivalry between them. Coach Tony Guagenti said the Moores get along and joke around without any jealousy, and they push each other to be better. Kevin Moore said that he helps Kieran Moore stay calm and that he tries to maintain his brother’s running pace. The brothers like being on the same team.
“It’s really cool,” Kieran Moore said. “When we’re at home we’re talking about the races as well.”
Neither Kevin Moore nor Kieran Moore have much history with cross country: Kevin Moore started his freshman year after guidance counselor and former cross country coach Gina Ciangi suggested it, while Kieran Moore ran last year at Norridge’s J. Giles Elementary. However, the brothers are multi-sport athletes. Kieran Moore wrestles and has swam with the Norridge Marlins. He plans to run track in the spring, and he said cross country helps with his stride and his legs.
Kevin Moore also runs track and wrestles. Kevin Moore said he likes developing his stamina in cross country, and that withstanding the sport’s physical and mental toll helps with wrestling, his primary sport.
“In a six-minute bout, whoever lasts longest, in terms of the endurance, is the winner,” Kevin Moore said.
The Metro Suburban East meet is Saturday at Elmwood Park and both Moores want to hit season-best times; Kieran Moore wants a 17:20 and Kevin Moore is aiming for an 18:30. They’ll have each other for support and motivation, and not just for this meet. Kevin and Kieran Moore plan to run indoor track together in the winter and train together next summer for cross country.
“They just want to push each other to work hard and be better,” Guagenti said. “It’s really fun to see, and we’ll see it next year, too.”
