The Andover Girls Varsity Cross-Country team ran an impressive time trial this past Saturday. Coach Lang said, “Everyone who completed the time trial did so in less than 25 minutes, which is a great way to start the season!” Many runners already have extremely competitive times and the team looks strong. Captain Katie Faulkner ’06 was excited about her team’s performance on Saturday. She said, “I was really pleased with the results of the time trial. Coach Lang had us running at a fast but comfortable goal pace, and a lot of runners went a full minute under their expected times. It was really exciting to see that happen so early in the season.” Coach Lang grouped the runners before the trial and gave each group a specific goal time. With that in mind, Andover was to run comfortably, while getting used to racing on the home course and with each other. The point of the time trial was not to go all out, but rather to establish a starting point on which to develop for the rest of the season. Erika Roddy ’07 said, “There wasn’t much pressure from the coaches, which was nice. It made it easier for the girls, to not have to worry.” Roddy, one of last year’s top performers, was injured and did not race this weekend, but will be returning shortly. During the trial, several talented newcomers emerged. Brianna Jordan ’09 was one of the first to finish, along with Captain Faulkner and Jen Downing ’08. Also notable were Abigail Levene ’09 and Stephanie Moroney ’09. Moroney said, “I liked the course! I felt great running, and I’m really excited for this year.” Returning varsity runners Faulkner, Downing, Katherine Adams ’06, and Chris Sargent ’06 all finished well. Along with many promising returning JV runners, they will form the core of the team that will lead Andover through its season. Andover’s first race is tomorrow, when the top seven will head to the Harrier Classic. Following that, the Big Blue will host an invitational race expected to draw teams from seven schools. Coach Lang hopes to have as many runners as possible competing in what will be Andover’s first home race.
