On a warm autumn afternoon in the open fields of Rock Meadow and the lowland forests of Beaver Brook, the Boys' Cross-Country team inaugurated a new season with resounding wins over Lawrence Academy and Governor's Academy, and a close, hard-fought victory over Belmont Hill School.


Senior co-captain and reigning ISL champion Viraj Deokar led the way, breezing through the winding, rocky course in16:19, a course record that may stand the test of time. Fellow captain Gavin Fujimori '16 finished fourth in 17:50, followed by Connor Page '19 in seventh at 18:11 and Will Fletcher '16 in eighth at 18:13. Ryan Ewing '17 capped an outstanding first varsity effort (18:53) with a superlative finish, passing two Belmont Hill runners in the last 100 meters to secure a 27-28 win for the visitors over the home team.


The Zebras also scored decisive victories over Governor's Academy (20-35) and Lawrence Academy (15-50). New varsity runners Jack Yoon '16 and Luke Collins '18 held their own against their counterparts from Governor's Academy and finished well ahead of the first runner from Lawrence, coming in at 20:02 and 20:05 respectively.


The JV boys fell to Belmont Hill, but earned wins over Governor's (24-33) and Lawrence (15-50). Ted Pyne '18 was the frontrunner for Middlesex at 20:23, followed closely by Jack Pelletier '17 (20:44) and Eric Gourdon '16 (21:02). Newcomers Andrew Danoff '19 (21:53) and Chad Arle '17 (22:04) also scored points for the victorious Zebras.


Middlesex hits the road again this Friday, heading to Southborough for an exciting match-up against ISL foes St. Mark's School, St. George's School and Milton Academy.