Runners and coaches of the Nazareth Cross Country team saw their hard work pay off this season.

Coach Wejman tells that one of the main highlights  this season was “coming in second at the RB meet.” Varsity runners Jacquie Skokna, Rebecca Letcher, Vickie Vasquez Clare Ramsey, Gianna Levato, Colleen Cavanaugh, and Megan O’Kane ran great races and allowed Nazareth to secure second place at the competitive invite. Amanda Harris, Jessica Sullivan, Clare Svoboda, Nicole Kozak, Brenna Fritzsche, and  Allison Kufta were champions of the Frosh-Soph race. Additionally, at the regional meet at Sundown Meadows on October 26th, Claire Ramsey, Gianna Levato, and Emily Beedie were medalists, finishing third, fourth, and fifth respectively. The post season squad came home with 1st place  overall championship with a score of 27, defeating Riverside-Brookfield, a long time rival.

Another recent highlight near the end of the season was sending Freshman Claire Ramsey to state.  In addition to placing 59th in state, she won a varsity race at Leyden earlier in the season. Claire said she joined cross country because “[she] did it in grade-school and really enjoyed it, so  wanted to try it again in high school.”

Sophomore Brenna Fritzche explained of her experience this season that, “I love to see all my hard work pay off in the races, and I love cheering for my teammates.” As a part of the new weekly tradition before meets, she inspired the team to “dominate and chase your dreams.”

The team trained hard when it came time for the East Suburban Catholic Conference. Although the workouts were hard at times, it was worth it in the long run. Colleen Cavanaugh, a sophomore varsity runner says, “ … after a long hard practice, you realize you have just accomplished greatness, and you are one step closer to your goals and your dreams.”

Senior and varsity runner Jacquie Skokna described why she runs cross country stating that “It [is] a way to stay in shape and build friendships,” and feed her passion for running.

The team members put forth a great deal of effort, but often rely on the coaches for added motivation and guidance. Mr. Wejman offered interesting insight about coaching cross country. Answering the question of how he got into coaching, Coach Wejman says, “I coached track several years before hand. It seemed like natural fit. Lots of girls do both sports so it made sense.” Coaches often strive to inspire their team. Speaking words of wisdom, Coach Wejman says, “I try inspire them to inspire themselves. Motivation can’t come from an outside source has to come from within the individual. I try to get them to believe in themselves.”  He also offered some wise advice: “ For any sport, push yourself and make goals for yourself. Only one can be the best in the world. Everyone’s goal should be to be that. Everyone should make goals for themselves.”

Although the girls cross country has come to an end for this year, it is clear that they have left their legacy, and will surely do the same next year.