The boy’s cross country team had a moderately successful season. Although many experienced runners graduated last year, the team has placed in several meets.

The team placed third at the Alleghany Invitational meet, led by senior Sebastiano Blandino, with a time of 18:36.25

At the Rockbridge Classic meet, the team’s average time was 18:34 minutes, and a majority of the runners set personal records [PR’s].  At the Blue Ridge Invitational meet, the team placed third, with Blandino taking home fourth, and junior Nic Benke placing ninth. The team placed third at the Conference 31 meet and advanced to regionals, but did not advance to states.

Blandino set two personal records within the first four meets of the season and is hoping to make it to states.

“Team-wise we have been improving a lot,” said Blandino. “Three to five of our runners actually have gotten really really good PR’s, so now they are in the 18 minute range for the 5k, so we’re doing pretty well.”

Blandino has enjoyed his season with the new coach Julie Tisone.

“She’s amazing, I love her,” said Blandino. “She’s so caring and actually wants us to do well.”

Tisone is trying to make the season fun while still pushing the boys to improve.

“The boys’ team goals for this year were to work hard every day, have fun, and make it to regions,” said Tisone. “We have had lots of fun, ice cream runs, treasure hunts, team dinners, glow in the dark morning runs.”

Junior Aidan Webb experienced a mid-season injury that kept him from running for about a week.

“We were playing ultimate Frisbee and the foreign exchange student accidently elbowed me in my two front teeth and there was just blood everywhere. But other than that, it’s going good.”

Blandino has a lot of faith in the team’s abilities.

“We can easily go to regions if we put in the work,” said Blandino. “And then, if we make it to regions we have a possible chance of making it to states.”