New Englands

Despite a stellar performance at last week’s ISL’s, injury and abnormal weather made “uncertainty” the name of the game at the NEPSTA Division II Cross Country Championships. The stormy conditions from the night before followed by afternoon sunshine created a balmy and muddy course at St. Mark’s School— a course which the Groton Boys had encountered on another wet day this season. In his final race for Groton, Captain Jack Lionette, came in 2nd place behind Kofi Fordjour of Roxbury Latin. Jack’s time was an impressive 16:47. Not too far behind, came Christopher Hovet (`25) in 8th place at 17:45. Next came Captain Vivan Das at 18:23 in what would also be his final race with Groton Cross Country. Exemplary performances from Ryder Cavanaugh (`24), Eric Ge (`24), Jeremy Gall (`24), and Carter Lightburn (`25) led Groton to a second place finish behind Nobles. By mid-afternoon, a cool autumn breeze settled in and the JV Boys enjoyed a more ideal (and much dryer) racing environment. Turning in another stellar performance, Kogo Bennison (`24) came in at 20:17, followed close behind by a strong run from Paul McLaughlin (`25) at 20:32. Next came Liam Warren (`25) at 20:41, Damien West (`26) at 20:43, Chase Bellamy (`26) at 20:48, and Anders Casperson (`25)— also at 20:48. In another final race for Groton, Sixth Former Robert Hong came in at 22:57. Though a strict regiment of wellness and training contributed to the team’s many successes this season, the leadership of Captains Jack Lionette and Vivan Das cannot go unnoticed as the real MVP. Their commitment to fostering a supportive team camaraderie throughout the season is what ultimately pushed Groton Boys’ XC to the top of the league. Thanks for a great season, boys!