The Lincoln Academy cross country team has strong numbers this fall, with 22 students out for the team, including 13 returning runners.
A strong nucleus of returning veterans leads the girls’ team including the top six runners from last year’s squad: Jenny Arter, Allie Gorrill, Nettie Hoagland, Essie Martin, Maggie Nevens, and Tahlia Mullen.
Newcomers include Emma Allen, Lucy Williams, and Sara Peavey, who will vie for top five positions as well. Elisa Serra and Linh Nguyen add “much needed depth to a squad that looks to improve on its sixth place performance at the conference championships last year,” first year coach Garrett Martin said.
The boys’ team looks to be more competitive this season “thanks to the addition of newcomers Noah Jordan, Anton Kalmysh, Levi McAtee, Sam Russ, and Ian Stapp,” Martin said.
Returning varsity members include David Barnum, Riley Cushing, Abe Steinberger, Peter Cooke, Travis Knopf, David Ribeiro, and Theo Seidel. The boys “are poised to make significant improvement based on their preseason performances. Like the girls, the boys expect to improve significantly over last year’s sixth place performance at conference champs and 11th place performance at regionals,” Martin added.
Martin takes over the head coaching reins from B.J. Russell and Lori Crook. Lincoln Academy alumnus and former all-state runner Amy Brooks Burgess will be assisting two days a week.
“Coach Burgess and I are excited to be coaching Lincoln Academy cross country and appreciate all that B.J. and Lori have done to keep the program strong over the last 10 years,” said Martin.
“Cross country is a fun, team sport that rewards hard work. The team deserves a lot of credit for working hard during preseason and over the summer. Unlike other sports, our goal is to actually reduce playing time, and I think everyone on the team is ready to do just that.
“Of course, it’s not too late for others to join. Whether you’re an experienced runner or looking to get in shape, Coach Burgess and I are ready to meet each individual where he or she is and help him or her move to the next level of fitness and competition,” Martin said.
