On Oct. 28, the boys and girls cross country teams traveled to Blair Academy to compete in the NJISAA Prep Championships. Both teams raced well in the 5,000-meter run. The girls’ team won with 41 points and a 1:12 minute time difference between the 1^st and 5^th finisher. The boys’ team received 47 points and finished second. Their time difference between the 1^st and 5^th finisher was 1:16 minutes.

Coach Chris Bright was extremely pleased with how both teams performed.

“The girls won last year, and their goal was to win again. Each runner was doing their best, and in doing so it gives the team the best shot to finish at the top,” Bright said. “As coaches, we always emphasize the importance of each runner doing their best, and the results will take care of themselves.”

“The course had a lot of tough hills, and the weather was not what we hoped for… but we worked hard as a team!” Akshay Mody ’18 said. “The season has been a continuous pursuit for success, and I am pleased with my third place finish. I liked running alongside friends who have been beside me throughout much of my cross country career.”

Racheal Greaney ’16 was proud of both teams’ performances despite the poor weather. She also was proud of how she ran individually.

“Personally, I’m happy with my performance, although like any perfectionist I think there are aspects that I could’ve improved upon,” Greaney said.

Both teams have their own identity which serves the program well.

“On the girls side there are a lot of seniors, so there is a nice blend of work ethic, fun, and camaraderie amongst the girls who’ve been together for four years,” Bright said.  “There are only 3 boys returning from last year, so the composition of the team is relatively new.  The boys have won some big invitational, but this race was our best team effort so far.”

The next race is the MAPL championships on Nov. 4.