Coming off a ninth place finish at the 2015 New England Prep School Division I Cross Country Championship (Interschols), Andover Boys Cross Country looks forward to the upcoming season.
The team lost talent and leadership with the graduation of five Seniors in June. This year’s team, led by Captain Holden Ringer ’17, is comprised of a multitude of key returners and several strong newcomers.
Basil Alfaro ’18 said, “There’s a good bunch of newcomers from all age groups, so it’ll be interesting to see how they fit in with the returners.”
“We lost some talented upperclassmen, but are returning many from our top seven, as well as getting some talented Juniors and an Upper, Giacomo Marino ’18,” said Jake Zanazzi ’18.
Although new to cross country, Marino will be a crucial addition to the lineup this year. With indoor and outdoor track experience, Marino fills a role as a worthy competitor against the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (Nepsac) Class A’s top runners.
In addition, Alfaro will play a key role in Andover’s lineup after missing several races last year to an injury.
Ringer said, “I know Basil is motivated because he had to sit out a lot of last season and he is ready to tear up some of these courses.”
Despite last season’s ninth place finish, Ringer and the rest of the team are confident and optimistic about their prospects for this year.
Ringer said, “The mindset people have had coming into the season has been really positive and uplifting. A lot of the guys who run cross country did Spring Track and they all had great seasons. They carried that over into their summer training. We’ve got some new people and we’re really excited for this season.”
Andover will begin its season Saturday at the Northfield Mount Hermon Invitational event.
