Abyan Ali also contributed to this article.
With senior night bringing the 2025 Cross Country season closer to an end, the runners don’t let the uncertainties of racing on unfamiliar ground in the near future drag them down. Instead, the seniors chose to end the season by looking back on the fond memories, having as much fun as possible, and focusing on making their last race for Malden memorable.
Arriving early to the field, Malden celebrated before the beginning of the Senior Night Race: music boomed from the benches, runners and captains teased and laughed while sporting their bibs, and they smiled for the camera together like a family. The senior boys also made posters, proudly lifting them while wearing grins on their faces. Senior and Captain, Nam Le, firmly believes the team is in good hands for the upcoming years after the seniors’ departure.
“They are unique and exceptional individuals. We have an amazing team this year, and a bright future for the upcoming years,” shared Coach Sean Weldon. He continued that Cross Country has had a “big turnout”, and although it takes them a “little bit longer to get the season going”, the large numbers “right from the beginning” are a sign to keep going in the face of challenges.
As the race commenced, Senior Captain Lincoln Boswell took the lead. The race was simple in concept: run two full laps around Pine Banks Park. However, the toll it takes on many runners from both sides started to show near the middle of the race, with many slowing their pace. Yet, not a single runner gave up and continued on towards the finish line. As runners finished their laps one by one, Everett’s numbers started looking better than Malden’s. While the race, unfortunately, ended in a loss for the boys, the girls managed to score a victory, in contrast to their previous game against Medford.
The captains also consist of juniors Keira Celicourt, Yingyan Xia, and Ian Ian Ho. Ho, Xia, and Celicourt have described the team as “a family” that “always supports each other.” With the conclusion of the final home race, the audience began heading to their homes one by one; eventually, the seniors followed along. While the boys may have lost this time, this race has helped prove the familial bond everyone shares and the seniors’ unwavering spirit.
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