The HHS Cross Country team are Patriot League champions and just had an undefeated season for the first time since 2016. Led by captains, Aydin Beck, Aaron Roberts, Conner Anderson, and Ryan Burns, the team had an unforgettable season that will go down in HHS sports history. 

There were many great achievements throughout this season, but none more impressive than Aaron Roberts setting a new record for a 5k at our home course. Conner Anderson also broke the previous record. Another record was broken by Julian Lloyd at the Ocean State meet for a 4k freshman at HHS. “I put a lot of effort into this, and I really see it paying off,” he said in an interview. 

The coaches, Coach Jewett, O’Hanley, and Mildrum, pushed the team to do their best and work hard. With their positive attitude and feedback, everyone on the team improved throughout the season. Also, the addition of preseason starting in August gave the team even more time to prepare and get in shape for racing. The first few weeks were mostly mileage, starting with shorter runs and progressively adding on more distance. The team also disciplined their bodies by engaging in numerous conditioning exercises and stretches, such as core, shins, calisthenics, or “cals.” A big thanks to the coaches, without them, this extraordinary season would not have been possible. 

Even though Cross Country is challenging work, it is also an enjoyable experience. The team is unified even though there are students of all grades. The team stays united by cracking jokes in practice, getting Wendy’s after a big win, singing the national anthem on the bus rides home, pasta parties, and much, much more. 

All of this is great, but the Cross Country team is far from finished. There is still the Patriot League meet on the 26th, and on November 9th, the States meet. If all goes according to plan, the varsity runners will also be competing in the All-State meet on November 16th. 

The only downside to this year is that the team is small! Only around twenty kids. If the success seen this year is to be replicated, more students need to join. So if a friend doesn’t have a fall sport, encourage them to join Cross Country. It’s great exercise and also fun. They will not regret it. Just take Will Monti’s word for it: “It’s been really fun getting to know the guys on the team.”