TCS Cross Country Girls' and Boys' Teams Make History with Undefeated Seasons

In an unprecedented display of training, speed, and endurance, the Country School Girls' and Boys' Cross Country Teams emerged victorious in an exhilarating race at the Hamden Hall Invitational, defeating five formidable opponents to complete undefeated seasons at 23 wins and 0 losses. This historic achievement marks the first time in the school's history that both teams have gone undefeated, with the Girls' team maintaining an impressive three-year winning streak. Co-Coach Will McDonough remarked: “To see a group of middle school students who have displayed such high levels of initiative, performance, and consistency, while also being a joyful, inclusive and silly group of teammates, is simply astonishing. It is rare, both in life and in sport, that one can achieve this level of unwavering and sustained excellence; yet this group has shown, day after day, that if they don't stop, they just can't lose; not because they are any more athletically gifted than other runners, they just love to see what they are capable of." The race witnessed an exceptional performance by the Country School Girls team, led by the dynamic trio of sisters Tillie and Liv K. and 7th Grader Maribel S. The three stand-outs dominated the competition, clinching the first, second and third place finishes, respectively. Tillie's unwavering determination and impressive speed allowed her to cross the finish line in first place, leaving her opponents and the spectators in awe. Not far behind, Liv and Maribel showcased their remarkable talent, securing second and third place and solidifying their team's commanding lead. The team win was secured when Captain Maybe H. took fifth place, out kicking a strong opponent, with stalwart Anna G., nabbing seventh place, right behind. Fifth grader Lucy C. secured 26th Place, just ahead of 6th Grader Nora M., in 28th Pl., with 7th Grader Samantha S., only one position behind. Rounding out the team performance, newcomer Brynn D. ran the 1.94 course in 22:23, alongside 5th Grade teammate Fiona W., who flashed across the finish line in 22:29 and met their teammates at the food table. Reflecting on the success of the teams, Co-Coach Sra Castillo shared: “I have learned so much about “Unity” during this season by working with our undefeated Cross Country team. It's admirable to watch how they pick each other up during the training and push each other in the meets. They have demonstrated how to provide encouragement when needed to help their teammates perform at their best. I am so proud of their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to the Middle School girls and boys setting the tone for what has been a stellar cross country season." On the boys' side, Captain Luke S. had his hands full with an awesome Foote runner until just before the mile mark, where Luke put in a surge and gapped his opponent by enough to pull away for the rest of the race and secure the win in the fastest time of the day. With his unmatched speed and tenacity, Luke emerged victorious, leading his team to yet another triumph. The Country School's trophy-grab was made even sweeter by the fact that they outperformed their fierce rivals, including Foote School, Hamden Hall School, Hopkins School, IDS, and Watkinson School. These teams, known for their competitive spirit, were no match for the unwavering determination and relentless training of the Country School athletes. The boys team especially had to buckle down because Eighth Grade Captain Will L., was out with an injury. Henrik S. ran an impressive race to take 3rd place overall, just a minute behind Luke. Henrik was followed by hard charging Zach B., grabbing fifth place with an impressive sprint at the finish. Sixth grader Tash F., always reliable and fast, took seventh place as the fourth scorer for the team, helping secure the victory when 8th Grader Liam M., 10th Place, came charging across the finish line just ahead of a Foote runner. Displacing the competition, 6th Grader Henry L., a future force to be reckoned with, took 15th, bumping runners from all the other teams back. Henry was followed by Kieran F., 27th and 5th Grader Sam C., 28th, who pulled 4th Grade teammate Harper M. across, in 30th Place. “One element that sets distance running apart from most other sports, Coach McDonough said, “is the idea that an athlete is rewarded for consistency and truly gets out of the sport whatever effort they put into it. Long, slow miles run in the lazy days of July matter just as much as speed workouts on the track in mid-October.” The Country School Girls' team, in particular, has been an unstoppable force, remaining undefeated for an impressive three years and last year winning the Connecticut State Championship against all public and private schools. Their exceptional teamwork, coupled with their individual talent, have solidified their reputation as an elite cross country team. They have set a high standard for future generations of athletes at the Country School. As the victorious teams revel in their historic achievement, The Country School community rallies behind them, celebrating their remarkable accomplishments as the teams prepare for the Connecticut State Championships on November 4. “But win or lose at States,” Co-Coach John Fixx says, “the students are all champions in our eyes because of the way they welcome new runners onto their team, get playful with face paint and ribbons, try their hardest in races, and then cheer each other on toward the finish line. Some of our biggest successes are the new students who come out for the team and persevere until they can run an entire two mile race without stopping.”