By Gianna Akter ’25
The cross country season will officially come to an end with the CIAC Class S Championships on Saturday, October 28, 2023, and Friday, November 03, 2023.
Joe Musante, head coach of the cross country team, and Ryan Adams, coach of the cross country team, reflect on the teams’ successes and records made this season: “One of the highlights so far this year is that both the boys’ and girls’ teams attained a winning season. Both teams compiled seven-six records,” says Musante.
The girl’s team has had a winning record streak for the past three years and ten within the last eleven years. For the boys’ team, this is the fourth time since 1994 that they have attained a winning season. Even more impressive is that the team consists of relatively young players; there are no seniors on the boys’ or girls’ team.
A notable record this season was made by Cassandra Silkoff ‘25, captain of the girls’ cross-country team. She established a course record on the new home course. Silkoff ran a 23:27 in 3.1 miles, for a meet that was against St. Paul and Wilby.
Also impressive is Joel Capelle ‘27, a student of a magnet school that does not have an athletic program but is allowed to run for the DHS cross country team. Capelle has placed among the top five finishers in four of his five dual meets this season, a significant statistic for the boys’ team.
In correlation to the many accomplishments made by the cross country team this season, Musante and Adams share what meets demonstrate them most: “For me, the best meet was at Woodland High School,” regards Adams. “In the early stages of the race the Seymour team had an advantage, but key passes by some of the boys, including Tyler Izquierdo passing Seymour’s number one runner, made it possible for the boys team to win that match-up and end up with a winning record for the season.”
In comparison, Musante shares, “I would say the Winding Trails Invitational was the most rewarding day so far with so many of our kids earning medals and setting personal records. Our spirits were raised that day after seeing what we could do.”
Though Musante and Adams have conflicting opinions on which meets they thought were the most beneficial, they can both agree on which meet they think was the most challenging for the team: “Probably the dual meet at Holy Cross,” Musante explains. The times were a little slower than anticipated for them at this meet, but part of that was the difficulty of the course as well as that the race followed their toughest training week of the year.
Adams shares, “The most difficult meet was at Holy Cross High School. Both teams secured a winning record at this meet, but it was a hilly course that came shortly after a tough week.” The team showed a lot of determination though by powering up a large hill three times to finish with some decent times, especially considering the timing of the race.
Overall, both coaches are pleased with the progress of this team. “Not only have our kids done well with wins and losses, times and places — but they have been very enthusiastic about the sport, and are supportive of each other,” reports Musante. “We hope to do well in our last two season meets – the NVL Championship Meet and the Class S State Championship.”
Lastly, the coaches express that more students should give cross country a chance. Many students assume that they could never run three miles. However, every athlete starts with whatever distance they can handle and then gradually becomes stronger and stronger.
For instance, boys’ cross country runner Ferd Amartey ‘25 had no experience in distance running before this season. On his first day, he ran a half mile. With hard work, he became the fourth-ranked runner and can run four to five miles a day with ease.
Adams also explains how enjoyable cross country is for so many athletes. “The team is having a lot of fun, including making the best of difficult circumstances,” Adams observes. Cross country is a really fun sport that creates a family atmosphere, with various get-togethers and supportive teammates/friends. It is also a great opportunity to get in shape for winter and spring sports.
Other notable accomplishments this season include girls’ cross country runner Kezia Amartey ‘27 winning the girls’ junior varsity race at the Winding Trails Invitational, and Zanae Worgs ‘25 finishing her first cross country race (which was key since the girls only had five runners competing in the Holy Cross meet to score, and there have to be five competitors to finish, otherwise, it is a forfeit).
Both the girls’ and boys’ teams finished seventh at the Naugatuck Valley League Championship Wednesday at Veterans’ Memorial Park in Watertown.
All in all, it is safe to say that the boys’ and girls’ cross-country team has had yet another successful season.
The Raider Press 