7th Annual Big Wave Recap 2019 @BpsXC_

Summer Miles makes Fall Smiles is the cliche but looking at this picture above I believe this to be true. Here are in a new season XC, this is are fifth time attending the Big Wave Invitational. I am truly excited about the team, second time in five years of the team existence that I would be fielding a girls team. Additionally I have some young talent coming up from the 8th grade (Brandon Douglas) and 9th grader Max Barcan as well last but not least the Boy's Varsity who has been tremendous in establishing the program.

First race was the Freshmen & Sophomore (Boy's) race. Last year when Max Barcan was in 8th grade on the course he ran 18.22 for a 2.5 race and finished 100th. Fast forward to this year Max put some work over the summer during Captain's practice, stepped on a Bee's Nest that slowed him down a lil bit on training however Max still ran a personal best on the course with a time of 16:07 and finished 40th overall out of 162 runners
Brandon Douglas 8th grader started his career running his first XC race ran 18:04 and finished 124th out of 162 runners

Check out: 2019 Big Wave Freshmen & Sophomore Boys Results

Next up was the Girls Varsity race, I was eager to see how the girls were going to due since this was going to be their first XC race ever. Proud of the resiliency and effort displayed in today's race by Grace Colon with a top 20 Performance just missing out in the medal. The junior covered the 2,5 Mile course in a time of 18:01 and finished 19th. #BrightFuture

Paola Ruiz a junior as well ran her first ever race and finished 73rd with a time of 23.35 and Senior Captain in her first race ever Samantha Wilcox ran tough race, considering she couldn't run two miles without stopping today she crushed 2.5 miles didn't stop and ran 25.17. Very proud of the girls efforts, their teammate Katherine Keating came to support.

Girls Big Wave Varsity Results:

We end the day with Boys Varsity Race. I was unsure about where we would ended up as a team in scoring but the goal was to be in the top 5. When dust settled the Boys ran amazing very proud of their effort. The course was extended this year just tad bit so it measured 2.5 Miles. We finished second overall and be a very talented St John's Shrewsbury.

Adnan Abdi Rahman 4th overall with a time of 13:38
Johan Sepulveda 10th Overall with a time of 13:54
Joshua Joseph 14th overall with a time of 13:56
Ezra Taub 17th Overall with a time of 14:03
Cristian Novelle-Ruddy 44th Overall with a time of 15:20
Luke Harrington in his first race over very proud of the senior's effort finished 77th Overall with a time of 16:27

Boys 2019 Big Wave Varsity Race Results

Questions to Former Self w/ Michael Maglio @mmaglio23 @marshfield_tc

I am very fortunate to meet some amazing people in the world of Sports from the amateur to professional level. Honesty is the best policy the more we can communicate with one another and have an honest dialogue the more we can learn from one another. When I Started Coaching XC I met the Marshfield Rams, their Head Coach & Student Athelte’s and their families for their support..I asked Former Captain Michael Maglio’s a few questions below are his replies

Name: Mike Maglio

Marshfield High School class of 2018

Attending Purdue University

Major: Industrial Engineering

 DATG: How Critical is confidence in your self to be successful ?                                                                                     

Mike Mags: Confidence is a huge key when it comes to being successful. A positive mental attitude goes a long way, whether it be academically, athletically, or in another field. Displaying confidence shows that you’re not afraid to do what you really want, and it also lets people know that you don’t fear failure. Without confidence, it’s impossible to get things done, and others will be less likely to trust you. If you don’t believe in yourself, why would anybody else believe in you?

DATG: Reflecting back on the last 4-5 years, there are no regrets but what would you have done differently?

Mike Mags:Over the last 4 or 5 years, I wish I was more ambitious, and I wish I took more initiative to achieve what I want and be who I want to be. Anybody can be whoever they want to be, -you shape your own life- but if you don’t have the drive to be that person or to do that thing you’ll never change. Throughout high school, I was a pretty ambitious kid, but there’s always more you can do, and I wish I seized the opportunities I had and excelled further.

DATG: Besides Your parents who was someone you confined in and why ?

Mike Mags: I always confided in my brother, Nick. Growing up, I never realized how much it meant to have someone as close as a brother until I started having real issues and needed             someone to talk to. Although I know I can always talk to my parents, there comes a point where they just don’t understand. My brother and I have a very personal relationship; we  understand each other deeply and are always there for one another. Along with this, we have very similar interests and desires, and we always help each other to reach a goal or fulfill an interest.

DATG: What would you do to improve XC & TF in HS ?

Mike Mags:High school XC and T&F could be improved by encouraging more kids to give it a shot. A lot of great athletes who play sports like football or soccer are missing out on an opportunity to do something huge in the world of track. There are so many people who have natural talent and don’t even realize it. All it takes is a little encouragement to try something new for a world of opportunities to open up. During my freshman year of high school, I was unsure about doing indoor track, even after an exciting XC season. An upperclassman on the team named Reed drawed me in along with many of my friends. I can’t thank Reed enough for doing that, because that was the beginning of a long and exciting adventure through high school running.

DATG: Who was your HS Coach ? Was he instrumental in your growth as a person ?

Mike Mags: My high school coach was Dennis Sheppard, aka Shepp. He was definitely a huge part of my high school experience, and he helped me grow as a person. Shepp taught me the meaning of hard work, and he made me into a tough person. He taught me to reach for my goals, and he helped me every step along the way in achieving them. Shepp became a mentor for me, and I always wanted to make him proud. Whenever I had a bad race, instead of making a big deal out of it, Shepp would tell me to just put it behind me and start looking forward to the next one. This attitude stuck with me; I learned that life is going to have its low points, but the important thing is to let go of any negative feelings and to make a plan to bounce back. Shepp’s knowledge and motivational skills make him a great leader, and I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for me.

DATG: Toughest lost or disappointed race in HS where and when how did you bounce back ?

Mike Mags:There two specific disappointing races that really stuck with me. First was my during my sophomore year of outdoor track at the Division 2 Eastern State Championships. We ran the 4x800m relay that day, and we were eager for a title. The one team standing in our way was the boys from Wellesley High School. We watched as their anchor leg ran hard earlier in the day to capture the 800m individual title, and this boosted our confidence knowing that he would be running on tired legs. When it was our time to go, we raced hard and did all that we could, but came up just short to take second place. It was a tough loss, but I quickly realized that second at this high of a level was outstanding, and we were given the opportunity to go to our first All State experience. The next week at the All State Championships, we placed 6th and broke the 8 minute barrier for the first time, a huge feat. Little did we know that this 4x800m team would go on to terrorize the state of Massachusetts for the next year, winning multiple state titles and earning All American honors. // The other disappointing race that reverberates with me was my last trip to New Balance Nationals at the Armory track in 2018. We ran the 4xmile relay that day, with our hopes set high at placing in the top 6. We came in dead last that race. We were out of the race by the second leg, and I remember waiting my turn to run my last indoor race by myself. By the time the stick reached me, my motivation had greatly dropped, and I just wanted to finish the race. I was the anchor leg, and I remember at one point being the only runner on the track with still a lap to go. That race was disappointing, but I was still grateful for coming this far, and I had my mind set on my last outdoor season. While my final season didn’t go as well as I hoped, I enjoyed myself and still made the most of it.

DATG: What was your favorite race in HS and why ?

Mike Mags: Out of all my high school races, there is one that stood out more than any other. On March 11, 2017, I ran the in the championship 4x800m relay at New Balance Indoor Nationals. Our 4x800m team had a tremendous season, highlighted with meet records and a trip to the Millrose Games, but we still had one race left, and one goal in mind. To place top 6 in this race would give us All American honors, and we believed that we had a chance. As the lead off leg, I was very nervous of the competition I would be facing, but I kept my confidence high and ran with the big dogs. I remember feeling great with 300 meters left, and I began to pass runners and work my way up. I handed off the baton in third place to Joey Donovan who quickly attached to the leaders. He ran extremely well and took the lead going into the second hand off to Derek Holmes. Derek, per usual, ran an extremely gutsy race, and he was key to keeping us where we need to be. We knew there were some real studs on the anchor legs, and we only had a shot if we were with the leaders going into the last hand off. All eyes on James Condon now. James is a beast. He took off with ambition and grit, but the studs soon passed him. He held on tight up to the very last moment. I remember counting the order that we finished, I counted 7. We were so close, I thought we actually had a chance. But then I looked up at the results- I had counted wrong, we placed 6th. The feeling was overwhelming, and the rest of the week was filled with excitement and positive energy. It was the greatest race in my high school career, with a fairy tale ending.

-Mike

A Glimpse of the MLK Dream

Worldwide people celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. An apostle of peace, whose actions, whose testimony changed how the world views race relations. Your social media timelines should be flooded with meme's of Dr.King or images of the beloved civil rights leader. 

Today i am reflecting on how Dr.King's teaching and philosophies have impacted my life and hopefully the people around me.  On August 28, 1963 the famous speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and freedom. Dr King spoke to the audience and said " I have a dream that my four little children (well) will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character". via I have dream Address  King Institute Standford University. 

I personally I am taken by the specific words from the speech " One day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Sports is a powerful tool which transcends boundaries from age, gender, culture, unites people from all walks of life. I am very fortunate that I am in the world of running/track & field. I believe that serving as the BPS(Boston Public Schools) City Wide Head XC Coach, I have been put in a position to continue the legacy and the platform that I get to utilize is the sport of running one of the venues I use is Foss Running Camp. 

Salute to the staff of Foss Running Camp, first and foremost to founder  Coach Kevin Maloney, Head Coach of Notre Dame Academy in Hingham Rick Kates, Legendary Hall of Fame Coach George Rose & Coach Dennis Sheppard of Marshfield Boys & Girls Track & Field. Foss is a special place located in Strafford New Hampshire, the longest running XC camp in the New England Area. Over the last four years i have been honored to bring the BPSXC team, by attending Foss my student athlete's and myself have established a lifetime of memories and friendship to cherish.  For a week student athlete’s seeking to get a better perspective on their upcoming XC Season, but while we are away from our respective communities, the purpose of bettering ourselves is the reason why we come together. I preach that competition has no color, humility isn’t prejudice neither is the notion to have respect for you common man. By the end of the week I tend to have bittersweet emotions, the rural areas provide peace of mind as well as an opportunity to train. Walking around Camp grounds not worried about being racially profile, if anything I am engaged in conversations with campers and faculty.

After reflecting on the pictures and reminiscing on the times, I am taking by surprise how much ground these two programs have conquered in terms of race relations. Single Parent household isn’t unique to the urban areas. I have learned that kids will be kids no matter the median income of the neighborhoods or the, educational level of the parents. I am confident that I have been exposed to students from all walks of life courtesy to the beloved of Sport of Running, which allows me to get a glimpse into what King’s Dream looked like.

#TraditionEstablished #Year4 BPS vs. @MarshfieldTC Rams

#Year4 A tradition has now been established. The last three years the Marshfield High School Boys team, coached by BPSXC dear friend Dennis Sheppard has opened their season at the historic Franklin Park. Over the last three years, the student athletes', had a open window view into what a premier XC & Track field program operates on a high level, the most beautiful part to see both teams develop bond and friendships over the past three years.

The picture above is again is example of a new tradition started last year where each team switches Jersey and take a pic. Personally I believe this picture is so powerful because what's the difference when you ask yourself ? Doesn't matter what's the name on the front of the singlet or the color of the team jersey, What matters is the respect of your common man no matter the school district or the complexion of one's skin. We are runners and we compete, and competition has no color.

I am beyond grateful that I have an opportunity to be part of this beautiful journey and I stand by this message of the student athlete's. These kids are the future of our country they are courageous and their bravery speaks volume 

Year 1 Results 2015
Year 2 Results 2016
Year 3 Results 2017

First race of the day went off at 4pm, which was the JV 3k. I entered Max Barcan an 8th grader and Cristian Novelle-Ruddy the younger brother of Three year Captain now Freshman at Regis College "Goose" aka Gustavo Novelle-Ruddy. Cristian continued improving and bounced back where he left out in his first race four days ago in Martha's Vineyard with a win with a time of 12:23 his first 3k.  Max Barcan with a major accomplishment completed his first 3k in 16:22

Boys Varsity had their work cut out for them. Marshfield Boys XC has been a top 10 Program since i started coaching fall of 2015. This was the year we felt that we had a chance. Consistency is the key boys team followed up the Martha's Vineyard Invitational with a win over Marshfield. Results are below. God willing this tradition gets carried on, right now Marshfield 3 - BPSXC -1 via cityofbostoncrosscountry

@FossRunningCamp Week 2 (August 19th-26th) Review

#FossFamily Sports is a powerful tool no matter your residence your school district your gender and most important complexion of your skin. Competition doesn’t have a color. Proud of these boys the respect for our common man is the motto.

Entering my Third year as Staff at Foss Running Camp, it came a perfect time. The everyday hustle of city life can wear one’s soul and body, occupying my mind with other people’s stresses. I couldn’t wait to get to Strafford New Hampshire. Fortunately I was placed in the Zelander Cabin with the boys team of North Attleboro and Cohasset respectively. Nevertheless I am familiar with the North Attleboro XC, kept in contact over the last year since camp with several members so I knew this week would be a smooth week.

Every year when I attend camp, I pick the brains of the guest speakers and the coaches who are there who I wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to do so. Besides close mentors in Coach Kevin Maloney, Rick Kates & George Rose. I was fortunate to speak with Coach Phil Maia and Art Demers, in my opinion two of the best the New England Region has seen in the last two decades. My father once told me to be sponge, and soak up the wisdom, knowledge and experiences. I have learned valuable lessons, most of the top notch coaches had some hurdle to conquer on the way to a successful season and careers. Most important lesson taught this year is learning how to prioritize the Wife and balance out coaching and personal life.

Write here…

Special Salute to Caroline Johannes from Hingham HS Camper of the Week #HuntingSeason

Man oh man recovery after runs !

Webisode 5 | 7 Miles at the World's End

Last mile was sloppy I just wanted to get it over with but I am pleased with my efforts. Next week I move the Long run up to 8 miles. I am looking forward to the challenge as well as growing, despite the aches and pains, the feeling is normal but the feeling of accomplishments has been motivation factor. The most mileage I have done in 20 years, longest run i have done in 20 years. I want to thank everyone who has been supporting me and the website.

Foss Running Camp Day 1

Great day not even thinking about the cravings, the environment stimulating and motivating me to do better. I have already connected with some amazing people. I just need continue on this path I believe there is going to be some success at the end of this journey. I wouldn't exchange the struggle no regrets it's only making me stronger and better. 

Once we arrived, I was informed that I was going to be the Cabin Coach for the Wildcat Cabin which had the town of Hingham XC team. My boys were placed with Legendary Coach George Rose and some of the Marshfield Boys XC team in Cabin "Old Lookout"

After checking and unpacking we had Day One camp Introduction by Camp Director and truly one of the most humblest human beings I have met, in Coach Kevin Maloney, explaining the campers the general rules plus expectations. After that we had an an amazing Dinner, I mean can't go wrong with Chicken Broccoli and Ziti, had an opportunity to check in with my team and see how they were enjoining themselves. 

We end the night with a camp fire and the boys and I truly in amazement of mother nature and her beauty as we are accustomed to the Skyscrapers and Fog, we were mesmerized by the Sky filled with stars and the air being so clean. Lights out was at 10:30 pm I started writing in my journal.