For the first time in school history, the boys cross country team has won the Maryland state title.
Led by junior Sean O’Leary, the team finished their final meet of the season with an average time of 17:13, over 30 seconds faster than the second place finisher.
At the beginning of the season, senior Roni Teich took it upon himself to motivate the team and keep them focused during summer training.
“Roni did a great job of motivating the varsity runners early in the season,” said coach Tom Martin. “When I was trying to coach the other hundred kids, Roni got the top runners prepared and ready.”
In all three championship meets (counties, regionals, and states,) all seven varsity runners had strong finishes, with three top ten runners, and all runners finishing in the top 75. Every runner’s finish was essential to the team’s championship run.
“Your last place finisher is just as important as your first place finisher,” said Martin. “They all count.”
The girls team did not disappoint either. From an 11th place finish in last year’s county meet, to a fifth place finish in the state meet this year, including an individual state title won by sophomore Anna Bosse who finished with a time of 19:38, the girls team surpassed all expectations set for them.
“We are proud of what we were able to accomplish this year,” said junior Erin Fisher, who ran on the girls varsity team. “We are hoping for an even better season next year.”
Martin cites extraordinary team unity as the reason for both team’s success.
“These runners run for each other,” said Martin. “All the runners know their role on the team.”
Even when they are not running, the team makes time after meets and practices to hang out and spend time together.
“The team has just been closer than ever this year, with all kinds of pasta dinners and Chipotle visits,” said O’Leary. “If you’ve been at the Rockville Chipotle around lunchtime on Saturday at all for the past two months, you’ve probably seen us there eating our well-earned burritos after meets.”
The boys team will return five of seven starters next year, while the girls will return all six of theirs.
