The early performances of this year’s LS Cross Country team prove a promising start to their competitive season, and the Warriors are looking to have their hard work pay off-rain or shine.
Despite the stormy conditions of the team’s home opener against Westford Academy, runners rose to the challenge and many achieved standout success. Junior Ethan Sholk ran the 2.4 mile course in 13 minutes and 16 seconds, setting a new LS cross-country course record while securing victory 16 seconds ahead of the next competitor. Senior Charlotte Huck brought home an impressive time of 16 minutes 38 seconds on the course, forging a gap of 20 seconds between herself and the rest of the pack. Junior Aiden Murphy led the JV boys at a 5:52 pace, and junior Isabel Murphy took second place for JV girls at a 7:16 pace. The JV girls did their team justice, winning by about 23 points in an incredibly successful first race. They stayed consistent on the 2.8 mile course against AB the following Wednesday, emerging successful with 35 fewer points than their rivals. Junior Ruby Stern and senior Abby Sconyers led the pack with paces of 7:45 and 7:48 respectively, and Ruby Stern was able to take home her first ever win of her high school career.
Junior Daniel Lin took third overall for the JV boys race, and came in first place for LS. Up-and-coming freshman Dev Chak followed close behind, earning himself a 6:09 pace and fifth place. Junior Gabby Leblanc finished just three seconds behind Charlotte Huck during the meet’s varsity race, the two dominating the course. Sholk won the boys race in a quick 14 minutes and 41 seconds, while Aiden Murphy proved to be a valuable addition to varsity, finishing second among every talented runner on his team.
Mere days later, LS journeyed to Rhode Island for the Ocean State Invitational, excited to compete. Top finisher Ethan Sholk ran a personal record of 15:48 and placed 11th overall, a remarkable finish that set him aside from the 153 other runners in his Championship race. Our L-S Varsity boys finished the Division One race in 16th, and JV placed 10th. The JV girls found a solid 3rd place finish out of the 31 teams competing, and the L-S Varsity girls took 11th in Division One.
Coach Sean Duncan credits the L-S Cross-Country program’s early achievements with their team unity and supportive atmosphere. Duncan explains: “It’s so much fun to watch how well they all work and compete together, and it’s already leading to a bunch of personal breakthroughs for everyone.” As Head Coach of the girls team, Duncan has emphasized the importance of fostering a “cohesive team culture” and an encouraging environment. He claims that the team “has always been good at bringing it together when it matters the most.”
The recent triumphs of the L-S Cross-Country team are reflective of this positive, relentless mindset. This year’s cross-country teams have not failed to showcase their resilience and determination, shaping what is sure to be an exciting season. As the season progresses, the team will continue to rise to each challenge at countless invitationals throughout November. The Warriors will face Concord-Carlisle for their last home meet on October 11th, so gear up for more noteworthy performances and be sure to show your support for the Cross-Country Warriors!
