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Storm runs victory laps

Sophie Han '27

Sep 27, 2024

Girls and boys cross country are off to a strong start this season. Both teams went into their respective meets this past weekend—the Ben Bloser Invitational for the girls, theGeorgetown Prep Classic for the boys—with determination and emerged having achieved great results.

Girls captains Anne Sehon ’25 and Linden Wallace ’25 noted, “The team is doing amazing with the culture we’ve built, and our coaches are really supportive of our health and training. It’s inspiring for us to grow as leaders and improve individually — it sets an exemplification for the season!”

“We value our runners and understand that they all carry stress as students, which is why regular check-ins within the team practices are encouraged in a setting like this,” said girls coach, Christopher Bright. Ella Blanco ’26 added, “The coaches care about us a lot, and I’m looking forward to seeing how remarkably this season with our athletes and coaches will go.”

Both teams competed in the Frankfort High School Invitational the previous week. “Going into the Frankfort meeting last week, I was really nervous,” Gabriella Cechini ’28 said. “But the support from the team helped me gain a less-stressful mindset this weekend, which is a special improvement personally because my goal this season is to have a positive mindset in races.” 

The Ben Bloser Invitational meet ended on a high note. In a race of over 200 girls, Gabriella Cechini finished first, and Sehon came in sixth. The team also celebrated it’s third place out of 28 teams, twelve personal records, and nine season records.

Betsy Cunningham, head coach of the girls’ team, said, “Today, in a huge field, it was great fun and astonishment to watch some of our girls lead in the front, and witness their willingness to do hard work. What was also fun was to watch their teammates screaming and cheering for them — This is a team that is close and supportive, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

On the boys’ side, the team has also been putting in the work. “We try to prepare our runners by simulating race conditions, like grass and hills, so they’re ready to push themselves on race day,” said boys coach Rich Heffron. “We finished behind the top two teams last weekend, but placing above the [rest of the teams] is a great indication of a successful start.” Imangali Zhakan ’26, who competed in his first meet last week, agreed: “The team is doing surprisingly well. I’m hoping to improve by working consistently with the team, and everyone is aiming to be in the top five.” 

Captain Winston Watkins ’25 commented, “Whether new to the school or the sport, we’re helping everyone adapt and get in shape. I’m excited to see what we can do this weekend.” Ryan Du Plessis ’25 added, “Some runners, including myself, are recovering from injuries, but we’re all very prepared for the Georgetown meet.” Before the meet, Joseph Cechini ’28 shared his goal of breaking his personal record. “I’m just six seconds off from 18 minutes, but with support from coaches and teammates, I’m confident I can reach that this weekend.”

The Georgetown Prep meet saw the boys securing second place out of eleven teams, with five athletes placing in the top 25. Cechini broke his personal record as well. Head coach David Grady highlighted key performances: “It was great to see Ryan Du Plessis and Joseph Cechini confidently position themselves early and hold strong through the hills in the third mile. It was a solid race for our top two runners.”

Will Wallace ’27 commented after the race, “Overall a great day for the team, coaches were proud but we were sad to have lost our fastest runner due to an unexpected illness; nevertheless, this meet was fantastic. We look forward to being on our home course next weekend!”

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