Blue Runners Go to All-States

Here is a Q & A on Cross-Country's performance at the Eastern Massachusetts Division V Meet. 

1) Why was today important for the team? 

Today's meet would determine which teams would qualify for the All-State meet next weekend. Four teams from each division qualify, and we knew we would be in the mix on the boys' side. Today was a day to take what we've done this season and see how it matches up on the state level. 

2) Were the runners' mindsets different in today's meet versus in a regular season dual meet?

For both teams, our main goal was the same as it was in every meet this season: to run personal bests. The boys wanted to qualify for the All-State meet, but we knew that the most important thing was running the fastest we've run at Franklin Park. We figured if we did that, the All-State berth would take care of itself, which it did. We didn't want to worry about what we couldn't control, because that's a waste of energy. The boys kept a lookout for certain color singlets of some of the top Division V teams out there, but we emphasized being more focused on the blue Swampscott singlets and trying to pack it up. 

3) Any surpises today? 4) If, so who surprised you and in what way?

Well, all seven boys who ran had the best times they've ever run on Franklin Park's course. I think Peter Hale surprised a lot of people, but we certainly knew he had a shot at winning the Division V race, and had talked about it in practice. He's kind of flown under the radar at the state level all season, and when we talked about strategy he said, "I'm just going to stay near the front," and he was in the mix the entire race. If he had another 200 meters, I think he would have won.
I think that the boys' team qualified surprised some people, too. If you look at all the rankings and coaches polls throughout the season, and what high school runners have been talking about online, Swampscott was never mentioned as qualifying for All-States. All season long, we've avoided getting caught up in that sort of talk. The focus was always on the process; we decided to talk with our legs on race day. These boys keep cool heads and never have attitudes. Anything can happen on race day; there were some tight races in other divisions today that weren't supposed to be that close. It's cool to see what can happen when the magic of a state championship atmosphere comes out. 
Peter's time would have placed him in the top 10-15 places of any division race today. We had three guys in the top 20 of our race, and Nick Hartmann's 14th place finish earned him a medal, too. (Results are below)
On the girls' side, Hannah King ran a great race to grab one of the last spots for the All-State meet next weekend. Karyssa King and Allison Carr worked well together on the course, finishing right next to each other. We actually had to put in two alternates over the last week or two due to some injuries, and the girls we put in (Haley McDevitt and Abigail O'Connor) stepped up for us. Alyssa Mauriello and Caroline Klusza have really improved over the season and they'll be back towards the top for us next year, too. The girls just get it done; they don't complain and enjoy being out there. We return eight of our top ten runners next year, so today was a great experience for our younger girls. I'm really excited for the boys, as they haven't qualified as a team for All States since 2006. It's great for Hannah to have one last high school cross-country race, too. Next week is kind of like a celebration for their work over the season. Sure, it's a celebration that will hurt a little bit, but it should be a great meet! 

5) In a nutshell, how were your expectations met today and for the season?

Today was just incredible: perfect weather, nice course, great competition. I was coaching against former high school coaches of mine and coaches I used to run against in high school. It's cool to see them out there and to catch up with them. Having all seven boys PR, and having that result in a berth to All-States, meant a lot. When you see the work they put in over the summer months and into the fall, having it pay off in the end puts a smile on your face. I'm thrilled for them!
All my expectations were exceeded for the season. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect coming in for my first year, but everything has been great. From the top runners all the way down, the kids are great and show up to practice ready to work. I'm hoping we can continue to grow that sort of culture of success, where it doesn't matter what type of runner you are, but more so the type of runner and person you want to become, that matters. I don't view my job as just coaching athletes, I'm helping mold young men and women. Going to practice is the best part of my day, and I hope it's the same for the kids. 

6) What's next?

Next week, the boys and Hannah will be back at Franklin Park for the All-State meet. A few runners have decided to run the Footlocker Cross-Country Northeast Regional in New York on November 26th as well.

Here are the finishing times for the Big Blue.
Boys: 4th place (127 points) out of 30 teams, qualifying for All-States next weekend. 
Junior Peter Hale led the Big Blue with his 2nd place finish (16:44) and senior Nick Hartmann medaled with his 14th place finish (17:20). Sophomore Matt Mahoney (20th, 17:36), senior Ryan Kelley (27th, 17:55), junior Sam Crimmins (64th, 18:41), senior Trevor Whelan (74th, 18:49), and senior Matt Nardiello (94th, 19:11) also competed well for Swampscott.
Girls: 12th place (322 points) out of 27 teams. 
Senior Hannah King qualified for the All-State meet with her 24th place performance (21:00). Sophomore Allison Carr (56th, 22:10), senior Karyssa King (57th, 22:10), freshman Alyssa Mauriello (76th, 22:41), sophomore Caroline Klusza (109th, 23:51), sophomore Haley McDevitt (114th, 24:05), and sophomore Abigail O'Connor (132nd, 24:40) also competed well for Swampscott.