Smith’s Triumphant Return to Franklin Park: Open New England’s Review

Smith Cross Country returned to Franklin park this weekend in style! Typically the team travels to meets on a large travel bus, however this weekend athletes and coaches were greeted by a limousine van with the words “PARTY TIME” written across the front. Needless to say it was a funny morning. After an exciting but bumpy ride the team arrived at the Open New England Invitational ready to go. 

Knowing that they have run this course before the ladies were honing in on specific time goals and improvements the second time around. For those that were racing for the first time their energy and excitement to get back to racing was a huge motivator for the team. The combination of these two attitudes resulted in some amazing PR’s and strategically well run races. The times show that the hard work in practice is starting to pay off. There is still some tough workouts and mental fine tuning ahead but the team is rolling right into the next phase of training smoothly. We are looking forward to even more improvements! 

Below are photos from the meet this weekend with individual PR’s and times. Thank you to all the family and friends that cheered the team on. We always appreciate your support! Smith XC will close fall break tomorrow with a practice and regrouping meeting. Onward into the next half of the semester!

First Year Becky Colfer had the biggest course PR - cutting off 44 seconds from her previous time running 21:10. Way to go Becky! Another first year Sophie Dilek had a solid first race back. She is looking forward conquering those hills next weekend on our home course ; ) 

Sarah (left) ran a career PR and a 31 second course PR coming in at 21:28! Lotte (Center)  hopped back into racing with a positive attitude that brightened everyones day. Clearly she missed Sophia! Cynthia (right) took of 26 seconds from her last race and ran a speedy 20:51

Micaela - 8 second PR on course AND a career PR of 19:34!

KPS, Birthday Girl! Not only did KPS run a 13 second course PR - She also ran a career PR of 20:30 on her 22nd birthday! Congrats KPS

Danielle (left) had a solid first race back running a 19:08. She is fired up about racing again! Victoria (right) also had a huge PR from last race dropping 36 seconds off her previous time. She ran a 20:35 and really stepped up to the plate for the Varsity race. 

Abby took off 31 seconds from last race - ran 20:28. Good racing Abby!

Senior Kylee Drugan Eppich (20:25)  and Junior Katie Dempsey (21:21) ran well on the crowded course this Saturday.