On Saturday, November 10, Padua Academy competed in the Cross Country States competition at Brandywine State Creek Park. The top ten runners from our school were able to compete in the race. The girls won second place overall. A lot of work from both team members and coaches went into preparing for this competition. “The cross country season starts in August, when we have pre-season. We practice six times a week, unless we were racing on one of these days. So overall, cross country is a tough sport–it demands a lot of time and effort, but it is the commitment that helps us to develop our physical and mental strength,” said Emily Paolucci, a sophomore. Everyone worked hard to make this season enjoyable for both the girls running and all the spectators.

As the state championships approached, the cross country team was preparing for what they hoped would be a victory. The seven fastest runners on the team were competing. They were Emily Paolucci, Erin Spadaccini, Angie Spadaccini, Mary Catherine LeNoir, Regan Robertson, Jill Ciritella, and Karlee Panella. Their alternates were Maddie Tullier and Haley Lucy. They had been practicing daily and doing everything they could to get ready for the meet.  “The whole team has been preparing for months for this race. The varsity girls are so physically and mentally prepared.” said Marykate Higley, a freshman.  All the training they did helped prepare them for this big race.

The coaches gave their time and effort to make the season a memorable one for the girls. “[They] give advice about what they feel we need to do in order to improve our racing methods. They are always pushing us to go farther,” said Kelly Jeker, a freshman. The coaches did their best to help the girls when they needed it and made many improvements on the girls’ personal records.“They are very supportive and give us good advice,” said Karlee, a sophomore. Thanks to the commitment from the coaches, all the girls on the team had a great time at both practices and meets and continued to improve.

Since the cross country season ended, many of the girls are already starting to miss the sport. “It’s kind of bittersweet. I love all the girls on my team so much, they’re my best friends. The downside is that I wouldn’t be able to see all of them again everyday, only the girls who run winter track,” said Erin Spadaccini, a sophomore. “To say that my coach and my team have changed my life is an understatement. My inspiration for running is because of them. I have grown as a runner and as a person from them,” said Emily. The girls have grown so much because of the cross country team and all of the girls on it.

Now that Cross Country is over, the girls are feeling very melancholy. “I am sad that this season is over because I have gotten so much closer to my teammates and have improved so much. As sad as I am that the season is coming to an end, I know I still have three more years and can’t wait to start back up next year!,” said Ashley Macha, a freshman. All the team members have become so close, so it is very upsetting for them that the practices and competitions are over. “I’m mostly sad because I will miss everyone on the team because we are [like] a family. Also, because I love racing and the feeling you get when you have a good race and [when you] get your best time,” said Bridget Hughes, a sophomore. The girls are disappointed because the season is over, but can not wait for next year and another chance to win the state championships!