Written by Isa Pierry

With both the FAA League and NYSAIS Championships quickly approaching, the RCDS Cross Country team hopes to have strong showings in both of the races. Led by Captains Cleo Saltz ‘24, Brynn Coady ‘24, Taeko Fueno ‘25, Jack de Haan ‘24, Varun Kolluri ‘24, and Esaias Gonzalez ‘25, the team has already accomplished stellar results at their meets in Van Cortlandt Park. Recently, the girls had a strong 3rd place team finish at an Ivy League meet and the boys had an impressive 2nd place team finish at the NYC XC Carnival. As Van Cortlandt Park is coated with hilly terrain, these triumphs were a result of the team’s mastery of the new environment this season. 

When asked about the Cross Country team’s overall biggest strengths, Head Coach Ryan Song replied, “In a relatively short amount of time, they’ve raised their running IQ’s and have learned how to leverage the blessings of having one of the largest teams in the league.” Song also mentioned how the team combines their running IQ to their ability to encourage each other. He stated, “In a race, this translates to packs of RCDS runners that can strategically work together and emotionally support each other during the race.” 

With 30 of their members setting new personal or seasonal records in the last 10 days, the Cross Country team hopes that this momentum will carry over into the championships. Captains Saltz and de Haan have recently set some notable records. Saltz ran Sherwood Island’s 5K course with a time of 20:50.7, which is the fastest 5K ever for an RCDS cross country girl. On a less than ideal muddy Brunswick course, de Haan ran RCDS’s second fastest 5K ever (on any course) with a time of 17:42.3. 

So far, Song’s favorite part about this season has been “spending time with the team. It doesn’t matter if it is an easy day, race day, or a really tough workout, we always seem to have a good time.” Looking to the future, Song reflects how “in a year, 50 weeks from now, if they stay poised and stay true to the system year round, they can be multiple levels above where we are now. I’m excited for them.” Song also hopes that the team continues to grow and encourages anyone to join, stating “If there is anyone that wants to put in the work and get fitter, we’d welcome them. We elevate together.”

UPCOMING OCTOBER SCHEDULE:

Mon. October 30 vs. FAA League Championship @ Waveny Park AWAY

Tues. October 31 vs. FAA League Championship @ TBD AWAY

UPCOMING NOVEMBER SCHEDULE:

Mon. November 6 vs. NYSAIS Championship @ Van Cortlandt Park Fields AWAY