As the 2023 Fall sports season kicks off, I had the chance to ask Coach O, the Head Coach of the girl’s Cross Country team, a few questions to get his view on how this new season will play out based on their previous success.
“Coach O, the 2022 fall season was one of your best, winning the League and Catholic State titles. What did it take to get those results?”
“It took a lot of hard work and dedication. We had to come together as a unit and one team. We are currently on the verge of doing it again, it definitely takes a lot of perseverance and patience.”
“How many key runners graduated in the spring and who is going to step up into their role?”
“We graduated 3 key runners last fall and coming into this fall we’re starting that process right now to see who will step up and be the next key to our success. There is a lot of new young talent out here and I think it’s just the matter of putting the team together and making sure chemistry happens.” It will take all top seven varsity runners to create a cross country championship.
“Which female Friars do you expect to help step up and who should we look out for?”
“Riley Griffith is definitely someone to watch out for and is someone who can step up and be that leader that the team will need this season”. He believes it’s going to take some balance in her personal and athletic life which he knows she will be able to do to allow her to be a strong and effective team leader. We also have junior Olivia Cochz, who will be a key factor, and with a young team I’m excited to see who will round out our top 7.
“How is the team looking as a whole right now with it being so early in the season?”
“Right now, with us having a new season, new year, and new attitude, I’m hoping we can all come together at some point hopefully soon. After the first meet, we’re hoping to get a better feel of the type of team we’re going to become. I think it’s going to be an interesting year. There are a lot of new faces that are going to be playing a big role in our success. But paired with the strength of some of our returners, it will be a very interesting and exciting season.”
Right now, it sounds like this team is going to shape up to be a force to be reckoned with, as we’ve seen the Saint Anthony’s Girls Cross Country team do time and time again. We have seen this team be successful year after year, and we’re all wondering if Coach O has any larger goals he wants to reach this year and what’s it going to take to maintain this top position.
“Yes, we actually are looking to set those goals and this is something we have to talk to the team about soon, in order to be a champion you have to study to be a champion. I think we’re going to work on our mental ability to handle the pressures of finals and getting to a bigger stage. I, myself, have to approach how I mentally prepare the team a little differently. But we are definitely looking to continue to have the success we’ve had last year and that’s what it’s going to take. Federations is one championship meet that each year I know we have the team to get there and once again I believe our ladies will want to establish themselves as New York State’s top Catholic School.”
Clearly, it’s safe to say that Coach O has high hopes, confidence, and expectations for this 2023 team and the girls are getting geared up to show everyone why this team is successful year after year. Stick around to find out more about this 2023 fall Cross Country season.
Uchenna Kelly is a junior at St.Anthonys; this is her third year writing for the Scoreboard. She is a member of the track and field team and is a member of several clubs at SA.
