August 15th marked the beginning of Padua Academy’s 2013 Cross Country Season. The girls welcomed twelve new freshman, two upperclassmen rookies, and two new coaches to the team. The team was moved up into Division 1 this year, and with two recent state titles awarded to the track teams, everyone is interested to see what the team will do in the fall season.

The girls competed in their first pre-season race in Avalon, New Jersey on September first. Several of the girls competed in the 7 Mile Island Race, while the remaining team ran the 5k. The cross country team is scheduled to travel to Carlisle PA on September 27, in order to compete in the Carlisle Invitational on the 28th.

The girls on the team have become very close over the years and even just a few months for the freshmen. Captain Caley McCormick says, “Cross country really is a team sport. Running day in and day out with these girls really motivates you to do better, and in the end your teammates are what make you succeed.”

All the preparation and hard work that the girls put in everyday is leading up to the State Meet on November 9th at Killens State Park. The team will compete for the State Title against all the Division 1 athletes in the hopes of becoming the 2013 Delaware State Champions.