MVC 2019 XC Conference Championship Recap via BSR

Conference Championship Weekend is here. Saturdays are for the boys and girls. Today my goal is to cover three conference meets: Merrimack Valley, Bay State Conference & Cape Ann League.

I’ll be starting my day traveling to the 978 - home of the Defending Boys Varsity Merrimack Valley (MVC) Champions, the Lowell Red Raiders. This race will certainly feature some talented teams and individuals.

Pulling into the parking lot, the ambiance was picturesque. With fall in the air, the Department of Parks & Recreation was conducting last minute touch ups on the course, and the concession stand was starting to set up. I am even more ecstatic when I hear they have donuts and hot chocolate! We are off to a good start.

My concern for this meet was how the varsity races would play out. With the boys, it was all about the home team. Where are Lowell’s David Yandi, Joben Jacobs, Kelvin Santana, and Ricky Thine relative to the rest of the field? Does senior Jack Blickser from North Andover and the duo from Methuen - Freddy Coleman & Xavier Meitiver - stand a chance? Where does Aidan Hennessy from Chelmsford finish? Those are all big questions as the boys toe the line.

For the girls race, there are also a lot of topics to discuss. The talented duo from Billerica - Nicole Anderson & Hannah Doherty - were favorites to finish high in this race. The team battle, featuring Billerica, would also include North Andover and their pack led by Abby Mastromonco. Where will Slap Mirambeaux from the host team be with 400 meters to go? After her performance at Catholic Memorial, how does the talented freshman from Haverhill Finleigh Simonds, compete against the experienced upperclassmen? Last but not least, where does Makayla Paige fair, monitoring her progress this season? Track is one thing, but cross country is always a mystery, no matter who you are.

As beautiful as it is, the course - like any good XC venue - has its intricacies. Rolling and ascending hills, a woody loop, and some nice straights are areas to take advantage of if you ever have the luxury of running at Shedd Park. The boys race was everything the coaches and fans expected in the first mile and a half. Lowell’s top five were fighting and establishing positions, mixed in with Central Catholic’s duo of James Pothier and Matthew Giannasca. Methuen’s Xavier Metivier, North Andover’s Jack Blickser, Billerica’s Brandon Marion and Aidan Hennessy from Chelmsford were all close by in the chase pack.

Over the next half of the race, it became a three man contest between Jacobs from Lowell, North Andover’s Blickser, and Methuen’s Metivier. The last 600 yards, coming out the woody section, saw Jacobs separating from his rivals and leading Lowell to 98 straight wins in the Merrimack Valley Conference with a blistering time of 16:22. Despite some good races and packs developing throughout the top 25, Lowell would cruise easily to the MVC 2019 Championship, scoring 41 points while placing seven in the top 21 runners.

With the boys results still flowing fresh through my mind, I was walking from the finish line to the start, hoping to catch the last few run outs before the girls race was underway. I caught eye’s with Nicole Anderson, the Vanderbilt commit from Billerica, and we both gave each other a knowing recognition. As I focused on getting my equipment set up for the race, Nicole commenced to warm up with her teammates, including the future Riverhawk Hannah Doherty. The Billerica girls looked focused, and that would prove to be the theme of the race.

Right from the gun, Tewksbury’s phenom Makayla Paige set the tone, leading a tight pack including the senior duo from Billerica (Doherty & Anderson), the North Andover tandem (Mastromanco & Kvaternik) and Lowell’s Mirambeaux - all in the mix early on.

For at least a solid mile, that remained the lead pack. The race began to unfold with 2000m to go, where we saw Doherty & Anderson from Billerica rely on their veteran status and stretch out their lead to secure 1-2 finish. Despite some really tough races in the next 15 or so spots, the two low sticks would be enough to secure the 2019 MVC Championship for Coach Hagan and the ladies from Billerica.

Despite all the awesome competition, I got to see first hand why Lowell is such a special community. Alums like Alex Rodriguez, Oliva Sheffield, Kaley Richards, and Carlos Rivera joined head Football Coach Dave Casey in supporting the hometown XC team. Salute to the Parks Department to make the course at Shedd Park looking amazing.

While this meet answered some questions, it did little to set aside expectations. There will be lots of noise made from the MVC - both as teams and individuals - when it comes to the EMass Meets at Wrentham on November 9th.

Nicole Anderson Post Race interview:

MVC Boys Finish

Cape Ann League 2019 XC Championship Recap via Bay State Running

I was very fortunate to be assigned the 2019 Cape Ann League Cross Country Conference Championship. For starters, I got to jump in the back of the lead cart, and utilize the IG features of going Live and utilizing the story options to upload some footage of the races. The second highlight was that the driver of the cart was Legendary CRLS (Cambridge Rindge & Latin School) Hall Fame Coach Bob Maquire, He said "Were going to get the right angle". At this point I felt confident on what was going to transpire in delivering the BSR audience what they wanted with our coverage. 

As the legendary starter Tommy Meagher raised his gun to start the girls race, Coach Maquire align the cart in position right before the high rise; BOOM the gun goes off, an athlete that I can't see right away gets out aggressive from the start, as the group of runners clustered together raising the first rise, I saw the singlet of North Reading, two triton singlets, and a familiar face in talented sophomore from Pentucket Phoebe Rubio and senior Lucy Gagon from Newburyport. I am not familiar with the leader and the duo from Triton but this is are lead pack after a mile.

Entering the second loop at Wrentham, and approaching the rolling hills area of the course the athlete who took it from the gun, who has know been surging around these tight turns was Lindsay Maclellan from North Reading. I later discovered was the Defending Div 3 Outdoor 2 Mile Champion.

The Triton duo of Ellie Gay-Killeen & Sarah Harrington were still tuck in to a pack with Newburyport's (Gagon) & Pentucket's(Rubio)(Conover) & Triton's third runner (Lorenzo). The team battle was starting to commence just as well as Maclellan started to winding up and extending to her lead and a run away victory of 18:58.  Second place went to Triton's (Killeen) with a time of 19:15 and third place went to Pentucket's (Rubio) with a time of 19:25. From there, the real battled started heating for team; the Triton girls over the last 1k landed their top 5 in the top 14 scoring 38 points. Newburyport was second as team overall scoring 70 points led by Lucy Gagon finished fourth overall with a performance 19:36, Hamilton Wenham was third scoring 79 points.

The Boy's Varisty race was up next and Coach Maquire pulled the cart toward the finish line.  I was in the back of the cart saving and uploading content to the iG account, when out of nowhere the BOOM of the gun went off, and I scrambled and got the angle of the boys zooming past.

The lead pack was being dictated by Senior John Lucey from Newburyport, Peter Lopata from Pentucket, Sebastian Gilligan from Masco, Manchester Essex's William Kenney & Triton's Graham Steadfast.  In the near distance was Dresse Faldi from Newburyport trailing the pack. Entering the second loop at Wrentham, Newburyport's (Faldi) made a strong move entering the rolling hills, the team battle heated up between, Newburyport, Triton & Pentucket.

As John Lucey methodically stretching out his lead, I started sharing with audience same singlet different runner. What I meant by same singlet different runner, over the years I watched the older brothers (Nick, Jack) Carleo dominate this league, then the torched was passed to Sam Acaquaviva now John Lucey cruising to a run away clocking a blistering time of 15:51. The battle for second place and team scoring was heating up, Masco's (Gilligan) and Triton's (Steadfast) were battling all race long, stride by stride into the finish, with Steadfast getting the nod (16:29) to Gilligan's (16:30). Pentucket's (Lopata) was fourth 16:40 and Manchester Essex (Kenney) was 6th overall with 16:53

In the end it was the Newburyport dominance over the last half of the race which sealed the deal for the team title. Thomas Jon Carleo (Yes Another Carleo) crossed the line as Newburyports fifth runner and 21st Overall with a time of 17:30 in the team hunt wining another league title finishing with 41 Points.  In a very tight team battle Triton and Pentucket tied with 69 Points

John Lucey leads Newburyport to League Title: Post Race Interview

Post Race Reaction with BSR and Newburyport Don Hennigar

I was very fortunate to be assigned the 2019 Cape Ann League Cross Country Conference Championship. For starters, I got to jump in the back of the lead cart, and utilize the IG features of going Live and utilizing the story options to upload some footage of the races. The second highlight was that the driver of the cart was Legendary CRLS (Cambridge Rindge & Latin School) Hall Fame Coach Bob Maquire, He said "Were going to get the right angle". At this point I felt confident on what was going to transpire in delivering the BSR audience what they wanted with our coverage. 

As the legendary starter Tommy Meagher raised his gun to start the girls race, Coach Maquire align the cart in position right before the high rise; BOOM the gun goes off, an athlete that I can't see right away gets out aggressive from the start, as the group of runners clustered together raising the first rise, I saw the singlet of North Reading, two triton singlets, and a familiar face in talented sophomore from Pentucket Phoebe Rubio and senior Lucy Gagon from Newburyport. I am not familiar with the leader and the duo from Triton but this is are lead pack after a mile.

Entering the second loop at Wrentham, and approaching the rolling hills area of the course the athlete who took it from the gun, who has know been surging around these tight turns was Lindsay Maclellan from North Reading. I later discovered was the Defending Div 3 Outdoor 2 Mile Champion.

The Triton duo of Ellie Gay-Killeen & Sarah Harrington were still tuck in to a pack with Newburyport's (Gagon) & Pentucket's(Rubio)(Conover) & Triton's third runner (Lorenzo). The team battle was starting to commence just as well as Maclellan started to winding up and extending to her lead and a run away victory of 18:58.  Second place went to Triton's (Killeen) with a time of 19:15 and third place went to Pentucket's (Rubio) with a time of 19:25. From there, the real battled started heating for team; the Triton girls over the last 1k landed their top 5 in the top 14 scoring 38 points. Newburyport was second as team overall scoring 70 points led by Lucy Gagon finished fourth overall with a performance 19:36, Hamilton Wenham was third scoring 79 points.

The Boy's Varisty race was up next and Coach Maquire pulled the cart toward the finish line.  I was in the back of the cart saving and uploading content to the iG account, when out of nowhere the BOOM of the gun went off, and I scrambled and got the angle of the boys zooming past.

The lead pack was being dictated by Senior John Lucey from Newburyport, Peter Lopata from Pentucket, Sebastian Gilligan from Masco, Manchester Essex's William Kenney & Triton's Graham Steadfast.  In the near distance was Dresse Faldi from Newburyport trailing the pack. Entering the second loop at Wrentham, Newburyport's (Faldi) made a strong move entering the rolling hills, the team battle heated up between, Newburyport, Triton & Pentucket.

As John Lucey methodically stretching out his lead, I started sharing with audience same singlet different runner. What I meant by same singlet different runner, over the years I watched the older brothers (Nick, Jack) Carleo dominate this league, then the torched was passed to Sam Acaquaviva now John Lucey cruising to a run away clocking a blistering time of 15:51. The battle for second place and team scoring was heating up, Masco's (Gilligan) and Triton's (Steadfast) were battling all race long, stride by stride into the finish, with Steadfast getting the nod (16:29) to Gilligan's (16:30). Pentucket's (Lopata) was fourth 16:40 and Manchester Essex (Kenney) was 6th overall with 16:53

In the end it was the Newburyport dominance over the last half of the race which sealed the deal for the team title. Thomas Jon Carleo (Yes Another Carleo) crossed the line as Newburyports fifth runner and 21st Overall with a time of 17:30 in the team hunt wining another league title finishing with 41 Points.  In a very tight team battle Triton and Pentucket tied with 69 Points

Frank Kelley Invitational 2019 @BpsXc_

Frank Kelley(FK) Invitational in Massachusetts serves as the middle of the season. FK Invite is a race where you can test your fitness, measure yourself against some tough competition. First race of the day was the Boys Middle School Race. 8th Grader Brandon Douglas has been working extremely hard and diligently, today we had a game plan to medal. Brandon in his first 3k placed 22nd overall running a time 12:44.14. Top 25 finishers in each race Medal at FK. Brandon set the tone for the remainder of his peers to have a good day.

​Boys 3k Middle School Results

Next race on deck would be the Boys Div 1 (9-10) Grade 3k. Last year Max Barcan as an 8th grader ran 13:19, this year Max came back smashed his previous best with a time of 12:06 placing 108th out of 369 runners in the race.

Div 1 3k (9-10) Boys Results

Boys & Girls Championship race would be featuring some of the top teams and individuals. The Boy's Varsity would be tested and for the most part we just missed out, the goal was to be Top 10 team with a bonus finishing in the top 5 we finished 11th overall. The tone was set with Adnan, Joshua, Johan sitting in the top 25-30 over the first mile. The same trio moved tactfully to both running personal best on the course .

Joshua Joseph 17:07 finished 17th
Adnan Abdi Rahman 17:08 finished 18th
Johan Sepulveda 17:34 finished 33rd
Ezra Tuab 18:49 finished 91
Cristian Novelle-Ruddy 20:19 finished 133rd

Boys Varsity Results

Seniors Luker Harrington & Pierre Kotell both run and finished their first respective 3k

Luke Harrington 12:34 finished 87 out of 166 runners
Pierre Kotell 13:18 finished 132 out of 166 runners

​Div 11-12 3k Results

In conclusion good day overall for the program we have much more to do..

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 my former Self w/ Catarina Rocha @catrocha11 #PeabodyFinest # ProvidenceFriar

As a coach we are educators and I find myself seeking and looking for stories of inspiration to share with the youth. What’s not better but sharing a story of Catarina Rocha from Peabody. The Rocha family has been a household name in the sport of running for over three decades especially in the New England Area. How many State Championships has this family produce ? For now we are entering All State Weekend Here in Mass, why not a Q/A with a winner Cat Rocha, i believe many can learn from her and her journey.

DATG: When you were younger you played soccer & basketball ? What positions in each respective sports you played and how did that assist you in your running career ?

Cat Rocha: Yes, I played a lot of different sports when I was younger. I was a really energetic kid so any sport that allowed me to move really interested me. My main sports that a played for many years were soccer and basketball. I started playing soccer when I was five years old until I was a sophomore in high school. My main position was midfield and on rare occasions I played goalie. I also began playing basketball at a young age (elementary school) until I was in eighth grade. Because I was so short, I played point guard. Being a midfielder and point guard both involve a great deal of running which assisted me in finding what I really love to do…RUN! I never would have found my passion unless I played those sports. Playing those sports not only helped me discover my passion but also be competitive and be a member of a team. Even though running is more of an individual sport there is nothing like going out and crushing a workout with your teammates, who also are some of your best friends. There is no better feeling than working together in order to achieve a collective goal. Playing team sports instilled this feeling in me and I am grateful. Some of my best memories in my life thus far have been with my high school and college teammates.

Side Note: I also played flag-football and honestly was one of my favorite childhood sports. I made an all-women’s team in middle school and we made it to the national tournament in Florida.

DATG: I notice you like music, is there a particular genre's is your favorite ?

Cat Rocha: I enjoy all music genres. Depends on the day what I feel like listening too. I listen to anything from country to pop to Indie!

DATG: Is there a pre-race routine that you do to get in your zone ? 

Cat Rocha: The morning of the race I try to stay relaxed and stay positive. I usually get nervous but that is natural for everyone. Once I get to the course, I throw in my music in and try to visualize the race. I try to visualize how I am going to run my own race and think about all the work I have put in to get here.

DATG: Why Providence for undergrad ? 

Cat Rocha: I chose Providence for undergrad because of the great academics and athletics. Providence’s rigorous liberal arts academics is what I was looking for in a small city school. They also have one of the best Elementary/Special Education Degrees around which is what I wanted to pursue. When you walk onto campus you can just feel that there is so much support from all Academic Departments, faculty, staff. The athletics was also a major factor in my decision to become a Providence Friar. Providence has a great athletic reputation, not just in cross-country/track but all sports. Being part of one of the strongest conferences (BIG EAST) in the country and having many sports nationally ranked drew me in. I wanted to be part of an institution that valued, supported, and took pride in their student-athletes not only in sport but in life. What sold me was the coaching staff and teammates on both the men’s and women’s cross-country/track team. They were all very welcoming and all were trying to achieve the same goal, which is what I really wanted. I chose to be a Friar because of the longstanding reputation of the program and my desire to continue running to the best of my ability. I trusted Ray and knew he was the best coach for me and would help me work towards my goals athletically and academically. Immediately after my official visit, I knew Providence was special and I wanted to be part of the Friar Family.

DATG: What was it like growing in Peabody with your Uncle & Father, at the helm of the Cross Country & Track & Field teams ? 

Cat Rocha: Growing up I knew my Father was the track coach and had great success as an individual athlete as well as a coach. Even though I knew this growing up I did not really realize the impact my father had on the programs and more importantly his athletes. My father had a major impact on the Peabody High XC and Track programs. He has coached multiple individual State Champions, HS All-Americans and won State Team Titles. He has helped student-athletes achieve their athletic goals, continue running in college at all Divisions, and even becoming Professional runners. More importantly my father had a major impact on the athletes themselves. He knew running came second to the well-being of his athletes. He cared for each of his athletes like they were one of his own. I did not get treated any differently in high school than any one of my teammates. My dad made everyone feel as though they belonged and that they brought something special to the team. Growing up and hearing that my dad has touched the lives of so many athletes was not a bad way to grow up. Knowing that the Peabody community respected him for not only his coaching abilities, but also character was something to admire.

DATG: Favorite pre & post race meal ? 

Cat Rocha: My favorite pre-race meal would have to be chicken-parm and pasta.  My favorite post-race meal is big cheeseburger and french fries !

DATG: Your the oldest of Jose & Gina's children. As the oldest siblings your younger brothers have carried the Rocha torch, describe the feeling when Marcelo won MA state title in XC ? Now Claudio attending Assumption. When you see them run do you see some similar attributes and traits that you see in yourself ?

Cat Rocha: When Marcelo won the MA State Title and Claudio committed to Assumption, I was extremely happy for both of them. When Marcelo won the State Title, I think I was more excited during that moment than when I won my own state title. I just knew how hard he worked and the lengths he went to win that title. When I found out Claudio committed to Assumption, I was so proud of him. He has been the underdog that no know thought twice of when we were young, and now he is one of the best runners in MA. Claudio is one of the toughest runners I know, and I wish I was half as gritty as he was in high school. I give both of them a great deal of credit and respect as well. I respect them a great deal because of how they overcame all the obstacles thrown in their way throughout their high school career. Whether those obstacles be an injury or teammates doubting their abilities, they overcame all those adversities. I honestly think in high school I could have not done what they did. After I graduated from high school, unfortunately they were known at first as Catarina Rocha’s brothers. But as they progressed throughout their career, they made their own names for themselves both athletically and academically. They created their own path that I believe tops anything I have done so far. I bet in a couple years people will be asking me, “Oh are you Marcelo and Claudio’s sister?”, and that would make me so happy!

DATG:  Reflecting on your career what was your "worst race", and how did you bounce back from it ? 

Cat Rocha: Throughout my career I have had many bad races, both in high school and college. I would say the “worst race” in my career so far would have to be the 5,000 meters outdoors in Florida at the NCAA East Preliminary Championships last spring. Going into this meet I had a great chance of placing top-12 and making it to the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the first time in my career. Unfortunately, I did not make it. It was not because I wasn’t capable or fit enough but because I doubted my abilities. It was one of the first times I went into a race having no confidence in myself. I convinced myself that I did not belong there, and I didn’t have a chance of making it to the NCAA Championships even though I could have. I was overthinking every move the lead pack made, I ran their race instead of mine, and just quit on the race with one mile to go because I convinced myself I wasn’t going to qualify.  I also feel that it was my “worst race” because it was the last race of my college career. It was difficult emotionally to take in because I knew I would never have another opportunity at the college level again.

I am going to be honest I was upset for a week or so. I was sad, mad, and disappointed not only in how the race went but in myself. During those couple weeks, I didn’t run one step and kept saying to myself I don’t think I want to run anymore. I kept feeling bad for myself and playing back that race in my head thinking I could somehow change it. After a weeks of not running, reflecting ,and much support from my family, friends, and coaches I realized some things…

1.      It is inevitable for every race you run to be great!  No matter how good you are or who you are, everyone has bad races. That is a major part of the sport and that’s why we run the races! We as runners put in so much work and get so little out but that is part of the sport!

2.      This ONE race does NOT define my running career. I ran some of my best races last year. I had won three-straight BIG EAST titles and was part of a team that supported me throughout the good and bad days.  What defines my career is how I bounce back from that and how I learn from that experience.

3.      I found out that I really do LOVE running. Those weeks after the race I was upset and told myself I don’t want to run anymore but I was kidding myself. I realized it was okay to be upset because it just showed how much I cared about the sport.

DATG: With a stellar career what would you have done differently if anything ? 

Cat Rocha: There are not many things I would have done differently in high school and college because I had such great experiences in both. The only thing I can think of is appreciating the little things in both my high school and college careers. As athletes, we need to appreciate our coaches, teammates and families because they are there for us through thick and thin. Appreciate the time you have with your teammates and the goals you want to achieve together. I would appreciate the hard workouts, the long runs, and each race you run. I say this because once you get older somedays you won’t always have that.

DATG: If we could go back in time, what would you tell yourself Freshmen year before you transitioned from Soccer to running ?

Cat Rocha: I would tell my freshman year self to enjoy my first year of high school and live in the moment. I would tell myself to not put any pressure on myself in regard to athletics. I would say to have fun being on the varsity soccer team and being the underdog. C

 DATG: Did High School prepare you for College and did College prepare you for the Pros?

Cat Rocha: In regard to running, I feel as though high school prepared me for college to an extent. My dad who was also my coach definitely prepared me for the type of training that I had throughout college. My mileage was very low in high school (40-45 miles per week) compared to college (60-65 miles per week) but the type of schedule and workouts were similar. During high school, I did a lot of strength workouts, such as four mile tempos and interval reps, and at PC I did the same except they were faster and longer. High school definitely prepared me for the type of training that was ahead of me, but it did not prepare me for collegiate racing. Racing in high school is very different than college. In college, everyone is the best of the best and very experienced, especially at the NCAA Championship Meets. I feel as I gained more experience in the collegiate scene throughout my five years, I became more comfortable and confident in both my training and races.  I learned a great deal about training, racing, recovery, and patience in college, which then prepared me for pro-racing. I would say one of the most important things I learned in college was patience. In college I found that patience is the essence of progress. Being patient and trusting in yourself, your abilities and your training will allow you to move forward and achieve your goals. One of the biggest obstacles I faced during my senior year of college was injury. I was injured for a full year and it was really difficult for me because I had never been injured for that long. Throughout that year, I learned that I need to be patient and let my body heal as it wants. It is not up to me and I can’t speed up the healing process. Being patient during my senior year definitely benefitted me in the long-run mentally and physically. It made me appreciate running more and being healthy. Learning how to be patient and progressing will hopefully lend itself in trying to run professionally. Being patient and accepting results is all part of this new running journey that I am just starting. My favorite quote about patience… “Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in your mind”

DATG:  What is next for Catarina Rocha ?

Cat Rocha:To be frank I am not sure what is next, which is sort of exciting but also a little scary. Currently, I am a Graduate Assistant in Sports Information at PC and am finishing up my Masters in Counseling. On top of graduate school and my GA I run for the Ocean State Athletic Club. Ocean State Athletic Club is a group based out of Rhode Island that is sponsored by New Balance. We are coached by the legend/guru himself Ray Treacy, who was also my college coach. I am the only woman on the team thus far and just finished up my cross-country season last week. My last race was the USA Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida. I placed 24th and was one spot away from a NACAC USA Team. I am very happy with how my first post-collegiate cross-season went and ready to run some races on the outdoor track this coming Spring. I hope to run some PR’s on track and get in some decent road races during the summer under Ocean State. But as of right now I am just enjoying the ride and motivated to get better each and every day!

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.

@BpsXC_ at Frank Kelley Invitational 2018 Results

Rolling with the Punches ! 

We started the day off with Senior Captain Sarah Lawton running a personal best in the 3k with a 13:00.16  performance earning her top 17 placement and a medal in the Division 1 Girls 3k 11-12th. 

Next up a junior who is steadily improving each race in his first XC season. The goal was to break 20 mins, the harrier smashed his goals by 30 secs.. Cristian Novelle-Ruddy did it again with a 19:30.66 performance in the Division 1 open 5k 

For the Boys Varsity Team, we are rolling with the punches the goal was top 10 we finished tenth overall. With some amazing performances. Freshman Gemsley Cajuste ran a 17:17 an earned 25th place in the 5k Championship race. We will remain focus on the task at hand. 

Victor Baez jr, 52nd Overall 17:52.33
Joshua Joseph 53rd Overall PR 17:53 the goal was to smash 18:00 mins
Douglas Alvarado 54th Overall 17:54 Smashed personal record on the course of 18:22 last year.
Johan Sepulveda 63 Overall 18:10
Adnan Abdi Rahman 74 overall 18:17 
Ezra Taub: 19:27
​
Click Here to see the results

via: cityofbostoncrosscountry