The Cross Country Wolves got off to a hot start at the BSN Sports Invitational on September 15.

On the varsity level, they finished in second place only behind the Parkview Baptist Eagles, even though the Wolves were missing starters Edmond d’Hemecourt and Matthew Awbrey. On the pre-freshmen level, the Wolves won the meet.

Though it was cold and rainy, the course was muddy, and the stakes were high, the Wolves didn’t let their guard down and powered through the adversity.

On the varsity side, returning seniors Dominic Muguira and Henry Englehardt placed third and fifth at the District Championships last year, bringing back experience to this year’s team. In this race, Muguira placed ninth with a time of 17:49.07, and Englehardt placed 14th with a time of 18:31.61 over three miles.

Muguira is giving it his all this season. ”It’s important that as a senior, I not only establish a foundation within the younger team for the future but also give back to the team after everything it has done for me. It’s an obligation that fills me with joy to pour my all into this season.”

Additionally, returning starters Tyson Burns, Callahan Arch, and Braden Magliolo all finished close together. Burns placed 17th with a time of 18:43.14, Arch placed 18th with 18:45.77, and Magliolo placed 19th with 18:47.64.

On the pre-freshman side, the Wolves had two top-five finishers in Luke Bernard and Grady Rosebush; their times were 12:22.11 and 12:24.50 over two miles.

Additionally, the Wolves had three pre-freshmen runners finish in the top 15: Bastian Graham, Connor Frederick, and Henry Kennedy. Their times were 13:14.33, 13:30.49, and 13:36.82, respectively.

The Wolves have been running in the morning to avoid record-breaking temperatures. Even though the runners have had to wake up early, they have still been working hard and are in high spirits.

Coach Al Nastasi loves the spirit of the team this year. ”The pre-freshman have shown great promise, cohesion, and focus. They’re one of the hardest-working teams, and this showed in their season-debut victory. I’m proud of the Varsity’s personal records and passion to keep fighting. It’s going to be a great year for both teams.”

There’s no doubt that the Varsity Wolves are ready to win another District Championship and will fight to the end. The pre-freshmen are ready to continue dominating the competition. Morale is high, and talent is on the rise. Saint Paul’s is believed to be set up for an extremely promising future in the sport due to this year’s pre-freshmen class’s accolades.

Cross Country fans can see the schedule below for the remaining meets.