The KO cross-country team has started the season off strong in their initial races.
Senior Captains Dorian Ciscel, Alexander Gumkowski, and Leonardo Ladewig lead the Boys. They aim to build on the success of last season and continue to grow as a team. The Girls, led by Senior Captain Ava Bonsignore, have high expectations for the season as well and hope to have a lot of success.
The Wyverns have kicked off the season with strong starts from both the boys and girls. With the Boys finishing second place at the Canterbury Invitational and the Girls in third. “I didn’t know what to expect coming into the season because we have such a young team this year,” Said Bonsignore. “But we’ve proven that we’re strong and resilient.
The team is very competitive and has put in the work to improve. “We start with a long run on Mondays,” Said Head Coach Tricia Watson, “mile-repeats on Tuesdays, a CT (Critical Threshold) Run on Wednesdays. And we travel to Elizabeth Park on Thursdays and enjoy the beauty of the park as the team logs another 4 or 5 miles.”
One of the strongest points of the team is the care they show for one another and the chemistry they have within the team. “The team camaraderie this year is stronger than I have ever seen,” Said Ladewig. “All the boys are committed to our team-wide goal of a New England championship, and every member of the team values this season for how special it has the potential to be.”
The team is excited about what is ahead and the opportunities they will have this season. “I’m looking forward to both championship meets and Hewitt day,” Said Ladewig. “Both opportunities to show our team and individual strength.” With Bonsignore adding, “This year we have two home meets on the schedule in October, which is really exciting for us. We are also looking forward to the O’Connell Invitational, which takes place at Cheshire Academy on September 27th.”
As the season gets underway and progresses, Coach Watson is very proud of the attitude and atmosphere the team brings to every practice and meet. “This team displays kindness whenever possible and digs deep to face the challenges that each new 5k course throws at them,” Said Coach Watson. “Each team has a new starting point, and where they go is what’s fun to watch as a coach.”
The season for KO Cross Country has gotten off to an exciting start, and they have high hopes for their upcoming meet against Cheshire Academy on Saturday, Sept. 27. We wish the team the best of luck for the rest of the season!
