Becky Weiland ’13 | Page Editor

Only a few weeks into their season, the girls cross country team is already training hard to defend their state title, team captain Hannah Meier ’13 said. Along with the adjusted training, the team’s top five girls have returned this season and run the 5K in under 20 minutes.

“We are already working to defend the state championship we won last year–not only running, but biking, swimming, and doing core work in order to cross-train and become the best athletes that we can,” said captain Annalise Bissa ’13.

One of the major differences this season is losing one of the seven varsity girls (Carolyn Sullivan ‘12), who helped lead the team to the state championship last year, Meier said. However, she believes the hard work and experience of the team this year can take them to the top.

“I am really looking forward to fulfillment of our tremendous potential for the entire team,” said head coach Steve Zaranek. “Our girls have the potential to be the greatest team in our school’s history and to be incredible teammates along the way.”

Along with the returning athletes, there are new additions to the team of 110 plus, Zaranek said.

“I am extremely proud of all of our new girls,” said Bissa. “I see them at practice putting forth 100 percent effort and maintaining amazing positive attitudes throughout workouts that are tough even for veteran runners.”

With this season’s focus on defending a state title, the expectations for the team are very high, Bissa said.

“The main difference between this season and previous seasons is there’s a sense of focus toward winning the state championship again,” said Bissa. “Last year, we worked hard the whole way, but still went into the state meet not seeded for first place, without that expectation. This year, we know it’s achievable and we’re going after the title again. “

Although the team is setting its sights on the state championship, personal performance is equally weighted with being a good teammate, Haley Meier ’13 said.

“I am most looking forward to what we will accomplish together this season,” she said. “Win or lose, in the end, we want to know we gave our very best effort for one another.  Our coach (Zaranek) taught us that. He does his best to help us get better and be better teammates.”

Zaranek said he identifies the level of experience and confident attitudes of his athletes as key elements of their past successes.

“We have the experience of three state titles in the last 18 months (two track and one cross country),” said Zaranek. “Our girls know what it takes to be at the top and stay there. We have experience and confidence. They understand the value of hard work and how a positive attitude truly does pay off.”