Last year the Girls Cross Country Team ended with a record of 5-6.  This was after losing seven seniors and coming back as a very young team.  Because the team only lost three seniors after this season, the majority of the varsity team is still intact.  Even though the team is still intact, some of the girls still have to step up in order to fill the gap left behind by graduates Joanna Garry and Paola Yerxa.  The team will be lead by senior captain Megan Peterson and junior Kristen Coyne this year.

Last season freshmen Emma Campbell and Kathryn Lawton showed great potential.  Coming into this new season as sophomores with some experience under their belts these two young runners could have a major impact on the team.  However, with the loss of the seniors, the team’s middle pack has become weaker.  Junior Gabbi  Petruzziello who often ran with Garry and Yerxa will be a huge key in forming a strong middle pack.  Junior Casey Ganshirt and sophomore Kathryn Lawton also show potential to be in the middle pack and have a chance of scoring for the team.  A strong middle pack is important in order for the team to be successful this season.   With great track experience, juniors Megan Jenkins, Jackie Applin, and Gina Conti joined the team for the upcoming season. Jenkins, Applin, and Conti will be able to help build up the middle pack to help secure the teams wins in dual meets.

Compared to past years, this year’s team will be competing against their number of returning athletes is high as Coyne said, “last season, we were a very young team, however our large number of returning athletes places us at a major advantage among our competitors.” The team has not lost any of the top runners who contribute to score.  Juniors Kristen Coyne, Rachael Barry and Mackenzie Wilson will all be returning along with Senior Megan Peterson.  Emma Campbell who was a very promising freshman last year, and broke into the front pack toward the end of the season will also be returning. With the girls having a large front pack with experience will be beneficial for the team in competition.  Although the middle pack will have to be strong contributors at duel meets in order for the girls cross country team to be successful this season, the girls show great potential for the upcoming season.