By Eddie Maloney ‘24
While the cross country season wrapped up for the team with sectionals on Oct. 28, two runners remained to fight for the Crusaders, competing as individuals. Junior Gavin O’Connor and sophomore Andrew Straley each ran in the cross country state championship on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Straley placed 86th overall in the race, running his personal best, and O’Connor placed 55th overall.
The future certainly looks bright for the cross country team. Only one senior, Dan Macis, will be graduating and leaving the running Crusaders to continue on their crusade.
Reflecting on his senior season, Macis said, “I think the season went well, overall. We placed second at regionals, and I think that was the highlight of the season.”
Speaking to the future of the cross country program, junior Gavin O’Connor said, “I’m very excited for next year because it’s not common to return all but one runner. I think we have the potential to make it back down state as a team this year, and Andrew and I can improve our state meet finish next year as well.”
Head coach Tom Wazio is certainly optimistic about the future for the running Crusaders.
Coach Wazio said, “We’re excited to have our top two runners returning. We hope to have two all-state runners next year.”
