Motivated by the leadership of Captain Hanson Causbie ’08, the Andover Boys Cross Country Team has excelled this season, winning four out of its first five races. The supportive and spirited attitude displayed by Captain Causbie has Andover on the right track toward contending for the 2007 NEPSTA Championship title. After playing soccer during his junior fall at Andover, Causbie joined the cross-country team as a lower. From the start, Causbie found ways to contribute to the success of the 2005 team. Causbie notably recorded personal several best times as the season progressed and qualified for the JV race at the NEPSTA Interscholastic Championships, where he finished 19th overall. Unfortunately for Causbie, overtraining in the pre-season and a lingering staph infection prevented him from matching his high expectations for the following year. Despite not being at full strength physically, Causbie made his mark on the team by being supportive and by working relentlessly in practice. Never making excuses, Causbie persevered and joined his teammates on the JV Interschols team. After his setback upper year, Causbie has responded with several impressive races so far this season. In the home meet against Choate, he crossed the line in 18:07, 29 seconds faster than his time the previous week in the Developmental Invitational. Causbie has consistently displaced opposing runners in the varsity races, which has helped Andover soundly defeat Choate, Lawrence Academy and Northfield Mount Hermon. Although Causbie is a valuable runner on the Andover squad, his teammates value his leadership as captain as much as his speed on the course. Causbie’s work ethic and determination to improve set an example for new runners in the Andover program. By selecting the toughest workout each practice, Causbie inspires others to give their maximum effort. In addition, Causbie’s teammates respect his constant desire to become a better runner. Michaeljit Sandhu ’09 commented, “Hanson is never satisfied with his personal performance after a race. Regardless of his time, Hanson always sees an aspect of his racing that he can improve, whether it is his uphill endurance or his finishing kick.” In addition, Causbie strives to keep the team disciplined and focused while stressing team spirit and enthusiasm. He realizes the importance of bringing focus to the large group of runners prior to a race. By giving an inspirational speech before the starting gun or visualizing the upcoming race, Causbie finds ways to motivate the Andover team. When he is not racing, Causbie is the loudest on the sidelines, encouraging his teammates. Despite not competing in the Canterbury Invitational, the dedicated captain traveled all the way to Connecticut to support the Andover runners, helping them win the title. Causbie’s enthusiasm rubs off on the entire Andover team and keeps everyone’s spirits high. With only three races left in the season, Andover faces a tough road ahead in its quest to capture the NEPSTA Championship. Both Exeter and St. Paul’s, the only teams to defeat Andover so far this season, possess strong teams standing in the way of Andover’s title hopes. However, under the Causbie’s tremendous leadership, Andover promises to be mentally and physically prepared for the upcoming challenges of the season.
