The Madison Cross Country team looks to have a successful season this fall, coming off a very busy summer. They feel as though they are prepared to race, despite there being less races.
The cross country team started up their training just after school let out. Emily Jones said that “we started training in late June, and at that point we are training 6 days a week.” This team was willing to put in the work over the summer in order to be successful this upcoming fall season. Not only were they running 6 days a week, their workouts consisted of “hill practice, tempos once a week” and even “getting up to 4 miles.”
Speaking of a busy summer, don’t forget that the team takes an annual Vermont trip in August. The trip consists of running and team bonding. Emily mentioned that they “mainly go to Vermont because of the hills. Hills are pretty crazy there so it definitely prepares us for the races.” After the running, the team bonding is the one thing that really helps them grow as a team and get to know everyone since even though it seems like an individual sport, it is a team sport.
The dodgers started of their season September 12th, at the NJAC Batch Meet #1. Even though it was the first meet, Coach Monaco mentioned that “19 of their top runners did not run.” This was because they have a long season up ahead and need to save their best runners legs for the more important meets. There second meet is, today, September 19th, at the NJAC Batch Meet #2. Coach Monaco mentioned that he is “very excited for this as some runners ran up to 350 miles this summer so their hard work is going to pay off.” Looking ahead, their next meets will be on September 30th, which is the NB Shore Coaches Invitational, and on October 10th, which is the NJAC Championship. After that, counties, sections, and states start which are all the very important meets for the varsity runners.
This year’s team is made up of a good mix of runners. This year is predominantly juniors, but there is a strong senior class that are great role models for the underclassmen. This team has high potential which is why Coach Monaco has some high yet achievable goals for them. He mentioned that he wants the men to “place in the top 2 at sectionals, finish the highest they have ever finished in the group meet, and could place as high as we have ever placed in the county meet.” As for the women, he hopes for “top 4 at sectionals and top 3 or 4 in the league meet.”
To stay updated on the results and schedule of the cross country Dodgers, follow their Instagram and Twitter @mhsnjxctf. Good luck to all of the runners as their season progresses!