By Emma Hyder ’25
On Tuesday, September 24th, the DHS Cross Country team held their senior night ceremony at the Leo F. Ryan Athletic Complex. The underclassmen put together a heartfelt ceremony for the seniors at their last home meet of the season.
The underclassmen took the lead on the planning and provided the gifts for the ceremony. The baskets were filled with favorite pre-race snacks, silly socks, and thoughtful shirts. Sofia Rudus 26’ said, “I really enjoyed giving the posters during the ceremony because we worked so hard on them.”
Captain Cassie Silkoff 25’ and Captain Tyler Izquierdo 25’ enjoyed what the underclassmen put together for the team. Expressing that, Silkoff said, “I thought it was done very well with the individual messages. It was very sweet of them to do for us.” Izquierdo says, “Senior night was sad but very nice.”
When asking head coach Joe “Muz” Musante what he thought each of the seniors brought to the team he said, “Each of our seniors brings something to the table — something that makes us a stronger team beyond just their times and places on the course or on the track. Cassie is like the big sister of the team who keeps our younger kids on an even keel, and offers advice to them about running and about matters that students face in their daily lives. Emma brings a fierce competitiveness to the team in which she pushes herself and her teammates to become better and more courageous. Tyler is a role model for dedication and commitment to the program and who displays an unyielding drive to improve. Mason is a quiet, yet inspirational figure for the team and someone who is quick to celebrate the successes of his teammates. Ferd’s success exemplifies what can happen in just one year’s time when someone perseveres despite obstacles that come in their way. Quintin brings a sense of humor that helps to diffuse the more stressful situations that the team faces during the course of a season. Matt displays a serious attitude toward running and who is constantly striving to help the team by becoming a better athlete.”
Rudus gives thanks to her teammates for stepping up and making the ceremony happen by saying, “Joel and the underclassmen really helped make it special.”
Senior Emma Hyder 25’ says, “I’m so thankful to have this amazing team by my side and for creating such a special night for us to remember for years.”
The Raider Press 