Cross country team builds momentum

By Demetrius Young

Over the summer and during the past two weeks of school, Hood cross-country runners have trained vigorously and non-stop in preparation for the first meet of the season.

The new and returning athletes of the Hood cross-country team got to display their skills at the Baltimore Metro Meet on Sep. 2.

Before the competition, first-year runner Will Beighley said, “I’m totally excited, and ready to crush the competition.”

The course for theBaltimoremeet was nearly 3.5 miles long and consisted of hills, drops, and twists.

Cross-country runners Brett Shelly and Stephen McNamara finished in 20 and 21 place, and carried the men’s team to a runner-up spot at the season-opener atMcDanielCollege.

Other skillful runners such as Dan Jacobs Matt Dyjack, Justin Cifuentes, Jordan Acton and Dave Gudeman, have shown much promise and intend to continue to hone their skills to their fullest potential.

Theo Jenkins, George Bucheimer, Demetrius Young, Will Beighley, Nathan Dubell and Steven Powell also competed in the race.

Women runners Alexandra Dystant and Gretchen Whitesell clocked times of 21:54.56 and 22:22.23 in the 5K race, rounding out the women to place fifth within the competition.

Cross Country runners Lauren Roesch, Sophie Grizzle and Caitlin Bean made the Hood top five. Heather Silveira, Jessica Zambreny and Sara Bean also competed at the race.

 Alexandra Dystant said, “I was very excited and pleased with my results, but I still want to improve. Coach Ayer and many others expect the team to grow and merge together as a unit.”