After a fantastic start, Malden High’s cross-country team has been steadily building their team toward greatness accompanied by exemplary leadership, stunning effort, and unbeatable team morale.
Sean Weldon specifically commented on the captain’s leadership skills, noting how “They arranged summer and weekend practices in case of a cancellation, keeping the team fit and conditioned”.
With a strong start to the season, the boy’s team has gone undefeated for three meets , and the girl’s team has had one victory with two losses. Halfway through the season, the team finally arrived at their senior night. Overall a bittersweet night for all as the athletes salute those who have come before and who will soon have to find their own ways in the world. The night was especially emotional for the coaches who had seen some of the seniors grow since as early as the 5th grade, from wide-eyed kids to young adults that the whole team looks up to.
Nicholas Duggan mentioned how “He hopes that he can lead the team to bring home another GBL title” as he believes “This could be the best season for the current seniors”.
After a warm-up and rousing song led by Run Direction, a group created to help motivate and sing while players run, the seniors went to show the visiting team the track. This would be the very last time they would do such an action as this senior night was also the team’s last home game.
Sean Retotal, a junior, and leader of Run Direction feels “The singing and music have brought the team together in a unique way, creating lasting bonds and memories while keeping the team on track to win”.
When Malden lined up for their run, the officials got both teams ready for their race. At the starting pistol sound, both teams bolted forward with Malden taking an early lead. Throughout the run, Slade Harding held a strong lead, finishing in only 17 minutes and 31 seconds, followed by Nicholas Duggan and Lincoln Boswell. From there both teams had players crossing the finish line one after another, some celebrating new personal records and others telling themselves that they’d break their record in the next run. The team looks forward to new beginnings as well as enjoying the time they have left with one another.
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