Middlesex Cross Country was fortunate to open its racing season with a home race on a perfect fall day against Lawrence and Milton. After graduating 5 of 7 varsity runners from last year's team, there were a lot of question marks before the race started, but those question marks soon became exclamation points as the Middlesex runners, both new and returning, proved that they are eager to get the 2016 competitive season underway.
The varsity team effort was led by freshman Gabby Walsh, running for the first time in her MX uniform. Gabby made the most of her debut, winning the race and setting a course and school record in the process. While Gabby's impressive run was certainly a great start for the Zebras, the team secured the win with the efforts of sophomore Charlotte O'Toole, senior captain Julia McClellan, sophomore rookie Maud McCole, and junior Emily Li. These four took places 3, 4, 5, 6 respectively, effectively winning the race in the top 5 score/low score wins contest. Also contributing to the varsity effort was freshman Alene Fernandes and sophomore Katie Fujimori, both running their first cross country races.
The Milton JV team proved too deep for Middlesex in the team score this time, though many impressive first races and improvement from returners give the coaches and runners a lot to be proud of. The JV scoring was led by junior captain Alice Crow, who was followed closely by sophomore Wani Pandey. Senior Laura Kaye ran a great first XC race, and she and junior Imani Marcelo finished close to each other and ahead of the Lawrence 3rd varsity runner. Freshman teammates Maya Sidhu and Phoebe Martin crossed the line holding hands, with junior new runner Halina Tittmann rounding out the scoring 7 for the JV team.
Everyone contributed to a successful day for Middlesex Cross Country, from wonder-manager Valerie Chen to sidelined athletes and athletic staff and coaches. Everyone worked hard and worked together, and particularly notable was the improvement of Emily Li, Imani Marcelo, and senior Sananda Chintamani, whose summer running earned them an illusive first race PR. We look forward to another week of training before facing St. George's, Governor's, and Tabor next weekend in beautiful Newport, RI.
