Top Seven . . .

The goal for any local high school Cross Country runner should be to compete at the State Championship level.  The road to Wrentham (the site of this year's All State Meet) will be a difficult road to travel.  First, we have a very competitive Patriot League Dual Meet season.  We will also participate in three or more invitationals.  Throw the Patriot League Meet into the mix and I suppose you can create explanations (not excuses) for a lackluster performance in November.  There will be 35 teams competing for four berths in the All-State Meet at the EMass D3 Meet (also at Wrentham.)  Great teams, in fact.  Bishop Feehan, Hingham, Marblehead, Milton, Tewksbury, Pembroke, North Attleboro.  Impressive opponents.  But I am hopeful, confident really, that we have 7 Boys and 7 Girls who are ready, willing and able to work extremely hard over the next four months to achieve the goal of running at the All-State Meet.  14 kids who are sufficiently driven to eliminate the need for explanations for not getting there.  I am keenly aware of the challenges ahead of you.  I am prepared to push you . . . harder than years past, in order for YOU to achieve YOUR goals.  Those ready for the challenge will have the opportunity to accomplish great things.  Are you ready? We will, as is the case every year, have back of the pack runners.  How long those athletes spend there is really up to them.  Everybody is capable of getting into the top 7.  Disciplined effort is your ticket.  You should have seen the various summer training programs we provided.  Many of you have followed your individual plan.  If so, you will have a great season, guaranteed.  Maybe not top 7 great, but you have a real shot at it if you have prepared.  Two weeks until we get under way.  Two weeks to start, continue or complete your preparation.  Two weeks until the journey to Wrentham begins.  Get there!