1st Pasta Dinner Thank You Novelle-Ruddy's & Barcan Families x @sophiasgrotto

First and foremost talk about milestones and achievements. We appreciate all the positive press, however last Friday's was very special to the program. We had our first Pasta Dinner with the team. I would like to thank the Novelle-Ruddy's & Barcan family for opening their hearts and doors for the team. Special salute to Sophia Grotto's who donated three platters of Pasta.  

We are establishing traditions and I am pleased that I got to participate in this even more happier to see the smiles on the faces, . Once again special salute to Michelle & Rob Novelle-Ruddy, Leah & Adam Barcan for your support and establishing tradition.

via: CityofBostonCrosscountry

Boston City Wide cross country running downhill Team taking state by storm by Joe Reardon

Thank you Boston Herald (Danny Ventura & Joe Reardon). Featured in Sunday’s Sports Section below is the link to the article: Boston Citywide running downhill

@BpsXC_ first win for Boston Public Schools XC in 30 Years at the Big Wave Invitational

Saturday September 15th, 2018 

Today was the fourth time the team attended the Big Wave Invitational. Over the last three years the team has gotten better and better. Today was special still waiting on the history and time duration, but BPS XC won it's first invitational in over 30 Years.

First let's start with Max Barcan an 8th grader at Latin Academy who ran his second race, covering the course of 2.5 Miles in 18:22.53. Ezra Taub was supposed to run in the freshman & Sophomore race but we decided to pull him last min. 

2015 Big Wave 9-10 Grade Grade Boys Results
2015 Big Wave 11-12th Grade Boys Results
2015 Big Wave 11-12th Grade Girls Results 
2016 Big Wave 11-12th Grade Boys Results
2017 Big Wave 7th-8th Grade Boys Results
2017 Big Wave 11th-12th Grade Girls Results
2017 Big Wave 11th-12th Grade Boys Results 

2018 Big Wave Results

The time to be part of the program is unreal, the team worked hard this summer and any good press is huge for the team. 

Performance of the Week by Bay State Running 

"The secret is no longer.
Boston City School's boys' team,comprised of just nine runners, has potential to do some damage at the state level in a few months.
The past Saturday, BCS had six of its harriers among the top 16 placements to win the Junior-Senior crown at the Big Wave Invitational. It was Boston City School's first win at the meet in nearly 30 years.
Congratulations to Boston City Schools, this week's Boys' Performance of the Week.
​
Boston Herald Coverage of Big Wave 2018
"​Led by fifth-place finisher Victor Baez (13:33.58), the up-and-coming City of Boston squad continued to open eyes with a decisive win (49 points) over Marshfield (63)"

365 Days + Strong | Allure of the Seas Royal Carribean Recap @StylesByP

Q&A with Petruvna Bundu Jean-Louis    

Good Morning Ladies & Gentlemen today special edition of DATG, we have a special guest today. One half of the BJL, my partner in crime, my better half, the love of my life, my best friend my wife Petruvna Ange Bundu Jean-Louis. I been swamped and never had the opportunity to post our honeymoon we took April 22nd-28th. I had a fantastic time, and loved the Allure of the Sea Cruise ship for Royal Caribbean. Below is an itinerary breakdown as well as pictures and videos of our trip and most important the Q&A.

1. Sunday April 22nd 4am Flight to Fort Lauderdale board the Allure of the Sea at 3pm 

2. Monday April 23rd Sailing at sea destination Labadee Haiti 

3. Tuesday April 24th arrive at Labadee Haiti at 8am-4pm

4. Wednesday April 25th Arrive in Falmouth Jamaica at 8am 

5. Thursday  April 26th at Sea destination Cozumel Mexico 

6. Friday April 27th arrive in Cozumel Mexico at 8:00 am

7. April 28th at Sea designation Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 6:15 am

DATG: What’s your nationality ?

StylesByP: Haitian and Congolese American

DATG: Today we are 366 day strong in Marriage, looking back reflection on the last year and two days?

StylesByP: After a year of marriage I can say that the experience has been good. I don’t question whether or not I’m in this journey called life alone. I know that I have a husband and we are partners through thick and thin and it’s reassuring.  It’s not always easy but I can rest assured we will get through any challenge together. What I’ve noticed is when we get through a tough situation we always come out stronger like our bond gets deeper. 

DATG: What does it take to have a successful relationship/Marriage ? If so and why ?

StylesBYP: The most important thing in a relationship is trust it is the very foundation of all marriages and the second is respect. Without these two things your marriage will be a struggle. You need trust because you know you can depend on someone else other than yourself to have your best interest at heart at all times. And you need respect so the way in which that trust is displayed is also uplifting.

DATG: Why do you think the divorce rate is so high ?

StylesByP: I think it’s high because families, society and individuals have gotten away from their core values and morals and people have way to many opinions or what the stereotypical marriage should be. People are not as compassionate to others nor do they have the common sense when dealing with issues. People are not equipped with tools or ways to work through and resolve their own issues and come into relationships not knowing how to address or come to terms with their baggage. Which in a result manifests into the relationship as if the relationship has “issues” where in actuality it’s the individual(s) who has brought things with them.

DATG:  Where did we meet ?

StylesByP: We met in 1997/8 at a fashion show try out at northeastern university.

DATG: When & Why did you feel that you wanted to share the rest of your life with me ?

StylesByP: I knew I wanted to share the rest of my life with you very early on in our relationship. We were speaking about wanted we wanted out of life and our dreams for the future and we were connecting on our values and principles. And it was then I knew I would marry you. When I felt I wanted to marry you was when you proposed because I knew in my core that you would honor our union.

DATG: Day 3 at sea we landed in Labadee Haiti, how was that experience ?

StylesByP: It was kind of surreal. My mother is from haiti yet I’ve never been. So getting to see the mountains in the morning and see the water and to see the homes in the distance and the smoke come from the fires that the people used to cook their breakfast was kind of a big deal. My people my heritage all right in front of me. I definitely felt at home despite being on a small resort. I definitely felt proud to be from there while being a tourist.

PEACE TO TIM JUNG & PATRICIA JUNG are next door Neighbors for the seven days on the Cruise Ship.

DATG: Day 4 this Morning we have arrive Falmouth Jamaica ? How was this stop ?

StylesByP: I enjoyed Falmouth in particular because of our tour guide I felt that she was authentic and although I had been to Dunn’s river falls the bus ride there was very educational and fun. Also enjoying the waterfalls with my hubby was cool too. The beach party was also nice.  It was small and quiet beach yet the water and sand were beautiful plus the atmosphere of sitting under the trees having drinks was an added perk.

DATG: Day 5 the stop is Cozumel Mexico ? What excursions did you do and what stood out to you?

StylesByP: We went on the ATV excursion and I really enjoyed learning about the native Indians of Cozumel and the culture. I was also impressed with our guide funny yet responsible for our safety etc while in the forest/jungle. Afterward the excursion the beach we went to was nice there were tons of ppl selling creative arts and goodies it was kind of overwhelming.

DATG:  Would you go on a Royal Caribbean cruise again ? What excursions did you like the most ? What were the pro's and cons of this trip ?  

StylesByP: Yes! I like the excursions where you get to experience the culture and people. Also we met two couples that left a lasting impression on me. It was kind of like devine intervention.  Pros are food, people, and memories. Cons are traveling with all the bags and packing and unpacking. Also there are always tons of people at the destination stops trying to sell all types of arts and crafts and it can be overwhelming and you want to buy and help and you’re trying to relax and enjoy yet you feel the pressure to spend money. 

DATG: Our first Anniversary trip came to an end, what do you say to people who don't believe in Marriage and Love ?

StylesByP: I feel bad for people who do not have a chance to experience marriage and love. It is almost like the the core of what it means to be human. You need a life partner and you need to experience love in order to grow and reach your potential. You have to share your life and experiences with someone. Otherwise your life will be like a book that’s never been read. At least in a marriage you get to see and experience (“read” someone’s book) your life while writing it! Love is great and life is beautiful especially when you look back at the love you’ve shared and the life you lived. Life makes more sense backwards. 

#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

Q&A with NH Legend XC Coach Art Demers

Entering my fourth season as BPS XC Head Coach I am fortunate that I have an opportunity to pick the brains of some of the best coaches in the region, I am very fortunate for them to share their wisdom, experiences and stories. Today I got to pick the brains of Coach Art Demers New Hampshire Hall of Fame Legend

DATG: Coach when did you start running ?

Art Demers: I started running in 1973 when I was a freshman in high school. I was walking home from school on the first day of the school year and I saw a group of kids running past me. I turned around and headed back to the high school and saw this man standing in front of the school with a clipboard and a stop watch. I asked him if he was associated with the group that was running. He said, "yes". I asked him if I could join the team. The next afternoon I showed with my black hitop basketball sneakers and I was on the cross country team. One week later still wearing my black hitop basketball sneakers won my first race and the team won the first varsity win in all sports at Pelham (NH) High School. I was hooked. It did take me three meets legendary NH Cross Country Coach Larry Martin saw me in a race and told my coach to have me buy running shoes! 

DATG: How many years have you been involved in the running community including your running and coaching years ?

Art Demers: I ran 4 years of cross country at Pelham at Pelham HS. Pelham did not have indoor or outdoor track. I was able to run indoors my senior year.

I then went to Plymouth University for two years. They dropped the indoor and outdoor programs in my sophomore year. So I transferred to UMASS Lowell my Junior year. I wish I had gone there from the start. I am not sure why I did not. The coach there, George Davis assumed I was coming my freshman year. I loved UMass Lowell, the academics, the athletics, and social atmosphere.

I developed as a runner at UMass Lowell. I spent three years at Lowell. I graduated with a double major of economics/political science. My coach suggested that I should become a teacher and a coach at all places Nashua High School!. I said I had other plans, my father and coach thought I was insane when I announced that I planned on joining the Peace Corps.

I joined the Peace Corps and served my two years in the Marshall Islands, but I surprised everyone and extended for another year and a half. I met my wife at the going away party and I extended my original two years.

When my three and a half years were over. Jane and I moved back to the United States in 1987. We both went back to school and both earned teaching degrees. During that time, I became the UMass Lowell assistant cross country/track coach for two years. I also became the Greater Lowell Road Runners assistant for the next seven years.

In 1995, I was going for my second master's degree and I ran into a man who asked me if I had some time to work with his son. I talked with his HS coach at my Alma Marta if he needed my assistance. He was new to coaching and welcomed my assistance. I worked with his team that fall and they showed some success. We were able to get indoor and outdoor track that year. At the end of the first indoor season the coach left the school district and the program fell on my lap.

DATG: How many team titles in NH do you have ? 

Art Demers: I won seven Class M/S titles at Pelham HS. The Pelham Boys and Girls won the first State titles in Pelham High School History in any sports. They also had 4 runner-up titles. They also had many individual state champs in cross country as well as track.considering I was not teaching and I was working a job where I got out at 4:30 pm.

I left Pelham in 2001 when I got a job teaching at Nashua High School. I coached at cross town rival Bishop Guertin HS in 2003. We tied for second at the NHIAA Division One meet, but our sixth runner was a few places behind the eventual second place team. This is a great reminder, how important your sixth and seventh runner can be. A former runner of mine at Pelham HS took over the BG program when I was offered the Head Cross Country program at Nashua South program. I coached a team that was now divided. Nashua High became Nashua South and Nashua North. 

We went from a dwindled team to Division One Champions in 2008. I am very proud of that team. It was the first team at Nashua High South to win a Division One Championships since the split and the first Boy's Cross Country Championship in the city since 1984. More impressive was I had the five fastest boys in Division One ever to run on the Derryfield course in NH. Two of the boys were 25 minute 5k runners when they were freshman and sophomores. Never give up on a kid.

DATG: How many schools have you coached at ?

Art Demers: Pelham, Bishop Guertan HS, Nashua South High School, and Alvirne HS. Plus Nashua PAL (USATF)

DATG: What kind of attributes and intangibles where you looking for in your captains ?

Art Demers: A love for the sport is one I feel is important. Another who has questions about the sport and my coaching, and understands his teammates ups and downs. I feel a good captain can listen and speak for his teammates. As a coach I do want to know about the lives of every athlete I coach. How is school going? Social life? Family life? Do they have any injuries they are hiding? I do not want a snitch, but extra eyes and ears that benefit the athletes and myself. Sometimes an athlete will tell me direct, or I over heard it when I ran with them but a good captain also keeps a coach informed of any problems an athlete is having on and off the team.

DATG: To build a successful program what does it take ? 

Art Demers: Enthusiasm and getting athletes to believe. I remember a kid at Pelham saying to me, "We're from Pelham, we do not win anything."  The next year we placed second in the division championships losing by 2 pts and then the next year we won. This same kid went on to a very successful collegiate career and then became a phenomenal coach and his team went on to win NH State Championships.

Getting kids to believe that they can. I have kids who told me that they were going to win state championships and I am thinking what planet are you from? And they went out and did it. I had one girl who never won a race in her life, win the Division Three Cross Country title and ran so hard, she did not even remember it.

You have to believe in yourself, your coach, and your team to achieve your goals. I have so many memories of kids believing in themselves and teammates.

I also remember the fun they had. Spaghetti dinners, mini golf, hanging out and building wonderful friendships. Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors all taken care of each other.

DATG: Does Sports and politics coincide ?

Art Demers: Yes, sport and politics coincide. Good coaches have to stand up for their teams. The cross country and track teams are on the same level as all other programs in the school. Some schools put cross country on a lower level than other sports. The coaching staff as well as student athletes, and their families have got to make their sport an equal program in their school and community.

While coaching at Pelham, the student athletes and families pushed the school district and community to build a track complex and sure enough the town and a generous donation from an incredible man's donation built the Harris Family Track.

And at Alvirne HS, the student athletes and their families led the effort to resurface and renovate the Hudson HS Track two years ago.

DATG: How was your experience in the Peace Corps ?

Art Demers: Loved every minute of it. For the first two years I spent two years on the island of Lib. Marshall Islands. No electricity, running water, no radio communication with the outside world. The boat came every five months with the mail. I did little running on this island. It was only one third square mile. I ran but not as much as I would like.

At the going away party, I met my future wife and stayed in the Peace Corps for another year and a half.  I taught school and also worked on developing a local government on the outer island. In my third year I taught a few classes at the Community College of Micronesia. I also worked with the Marshall Islands Department of Interior  and Outer Island Affairs, working on a handbook for running local governments. 

I always wanted to give back to the country and in the early eighties the military was not hiring or at least not in the areas I was interested in.

DATG: What was the feeling to see your son Phil grow as a rising runner ?

Art Demers: When Phil was three I knew we had to get Phil involved in sports. He had so much energy and needed something to do. We enrolled him in gymnastics. From three years old till eighth grade he was a gymnast. He loved it. He would train three hours a day three days a week. He would then compete on weekends. One day on the way home from the Eastern Gymnastics Championships, Phil told me he decided not to do gymnastics anymore. I told him that was fine, but he needed to find another activity to get involved in. I said physical activity, not playing video games. He said, I think I will try running. I really have to thank all the people I coached through the years as well as the people from Camp Foss. Phil has gone there since he was three or four. Walking Mr. Maloney's dog, listening to guest speakers, staying in cabins with or without me in there. He has seen people who love the sport.

I am proud of Phil's accomplishments on and off the course and track. He is now running for UMass Lowell where I ran. He is having a blast running and studying Public Health. 

He is also a NH certified official. I think he is the youngest in the organization. He also understands the sport. He is an integral part of setting up the NHIAA Meet of Champions each year at Nashua South High School. He and I have been setting up the course since he was in junior high. We know every landmark in the Nashua South course. If he decided to become a Coach or teacher I think he would be great. Whatever he does, he will do well.

DATG: What does the future behold for the legend ?

Art Demers: Hmm that is a tough question. I still have one or two bad days a week. I wish I knew when they were going to occur. For your readers, I had T-10 tumor that left me with parapalegia in 2012, I cannot walk without hand canes or a walker. I use a wheelchair for most of my day. Since the removal of the tumor I have had a stroke, a blood transfusion, spinal menengitis and continuing bouts of UTI'S.

I had to retire as a coach and teacher, but as soon as I can get healthy I would love to return to full time coaching and possibly teaching.

I will stay involved with the NHIAA Cross Country Committee as well as putting on the NHIAA Meet of Champions as well as the Battle of the Border.

I will continue officiating for the New Hampshire Track and Field Officials

BPSXC x Martha Vineyard HS Invitational Recap/Results 2018

After an amazing summer of captain practices, as well as attending the Bostonxc with Coach Tim Broe and Foss Running Camp week 2 (August 19th-26th). The Student Athlete's and I believed that we have a chance to be the first City team in over 30 Years to qualify for All States. Over the last three decades BPS has produced amazing front runners but never a team of five to seven Student Athletes that had a top four finish at the Emass Divisional Meet.. After this past weekend we are proud to share that #DreamsAreTangibleGoals we are getting closer to the Goal. #BPSvsHistory

Amazing performance every runner ran a personal best. We lost by 8 points to Woburn HS boys team, salute to Coach Fletcher #TannerPride. Two years ago we attended the ninth Annual Martha's Vineyard Invitational, we entered in the JV division and ran decent. 

First we shall start with Cristian Novelle-Ruddy, young brother of two year Captain Gustavo Novelle-Ruddy who is a freshman at Regis College. Cristian started his career off, running his first 5k in 20:14 and placed 19th Overall earning him a medal in the JV race. 

First time since the inception of the City Wide XC team, we had Five Boys under 18 Mins.
Boys Varsity Results: Click Here 

16th Place Overall: Adnan Abdi Rahman 17:17 27 sec PR 
25th Gemsley Cajuste 17:32.02 first 5k ever 
26th Victor Baez Jr. 17:36.10 7 secs PR 
31st Johan Sepulveda 17:53 first 5k Ever
32nd Douglas Alvarado 17:54 71 sec improvement
46th Ezra Taub 18:25 first 5k ever
48th Joshua Joseph 18:27 first 5k ever

via CityofBostonCrossCountry

Q&A with Nichole Ferguson

Sorry for the delay been over several months since the last time I posted. However it’s the start of the XC season and I have some interviews already done just needed to update the site lol. In short as a coach/runner I am always looking for inspiration and motivation.

Besides my passion in coaching I have another job as a Benefit Specialists for the (BTUHWF) Boston Teachers Union Health & Welfare Fund. My job is to process the all teachers, and paraprofessionals dental and vision benefits. The eye care center is located adjacent to my office, as a runner it’s only natural you connect with other runners because you share the same interests. My colleague Nichole Ferguson works in the eye care center. Nichole has been putting in some serious work in regards to her mileage and she just recently completed the Boston Marathon, her story and journey is one that I would like to share hopefully it inspires you like it did me.

DATG: Hey Buddy thank you for your participation, lets start with your age and where you are from ?

NF: My name is Nichole Ferguson, I’m 31 and from Dracut Ma

DATG: You mentioned to me in the past you had sickness or diagnosed with ? Can you please remind me what that was and how that motivated you to start running ?

NF: I was diagnosed with MS in 2004 when I temporarily lost my vision. The statistics can be disheartening to look at- unfortunately a lot of people with this disease may eventually end up with mobility issues. I ran as fast and as far as I can to prove I will not be one of those statistics.

DATG: Did you play a sport in Highschool if so what ?

NF: In high school I played soccer. I can’t say it was the beginning of my running career though- I actually played goalie and spent most of my time in the net!

DATG: When did you start running ?

NF: I didn’t start running until XXXX. A friend challenged me to run a half marathon- I instantly became addicted!

DATG: What’s your favorite trainer shoes and race shoes ?

NF: The ONLY shoes I will wear are the Saucony Guide series. I suffer from plantars fasciitis, so these are the perfect for me.

DATG: How has running changed your life ?

NF: Running has changed my life because it has made me significantly healthier. I tend to treat my body a little better. I sleep more since rest is important for recovery and eat better, because food is the fuel for my workout

DATG: How many races have you ran so far ? What’s your favorite distance to race at ?

NF: I’ve run 10 marathons so far, and probably a dozen half’s and 10ks. I’m definitely a distance runner, and prefer the mental and physical challenges- shorter races (5ks) are just not for me!

DATG: What was your goals for Boston Marathon 2018 ? After smashing these goal describe that feeling when your own boylston street and crowd is cheering ?

NF: I had to adjust my goals for Boston in light of the weather and was aiming for anything under 4 hours. I don’t think anyone will ever be able to find words that accurately describe the rush a runner gets when turning on to Boylston and seeing the finish line. Months of hard work and sweat go into that very moment. Knowing that Thousands of complete strangers stood out in the cold rain that day to support and The emotions are overwhelming, especially with complete strangers standing in the cold pouring rain to cheer you on!

DATG: What’s next race on your calendar ?

NF: I decided to take a month off...I will start training again the end of June for the Baystate marathon in Lowell in the end of October. It’s one of the flattest courses around and where I’ve gotten my PR twice. Fingers crossed for good weather!!

I am going to be looking forward to Nichole crushing more miles and inspiring us all ! My colleague is the true definition the living example of Dreams Are Tangible Goals.