After a rough OCIAA meet with a second place finish, the girls cross country team from Monroe-Woodbury took the section 9 cross country title with a win of 36-89 on Nov. 4, 2023.
Head coach Christopher Goodwin holds a training camp that starts way back in June to prepare the girls for success way later in the season. The training was grueling with all the hill and speed workouts the girls did, but the team was able to push through the long journey and make their way to the state meet in Vernon Verona Sherrill Hill High School in November.
The cross country camp held from June to August was said by Lily Benza to be the hardest part of the year because it takes a toll on your body. But, Benza said, that the team lifts each other up to keep going and without that they would not have come as far as they have now in November.
“We have worked hard the whole year and it’s now paying off,” said Junior Lily Benza, with a smile.
After heavy rainfall the previous day, the course was left muddy and slippery. The girls said they were nervous at first that someone might slip, as this has happened in preceding meets. But with their positive attitude, they were able to overcome adversity.
Many obstacles have crossed the path of the Monroe-Woodbury girls cross country team. From the long bus rides, overnight meets and hard workouts, the team has formed strong bonds that helped the girls make it through the season and continue to advance.
“The training is difficult, but the lifelong friendships I have made with my teammates inspire me to keep on going,” said Junior Nicole Ottavio.
The training has had high demands physically and mentally on the runners. Six juniors and four freshmen had to deal with foot, hip, and knee injuries, but captain Sophia Solcany saw how the issues they dealt with better prepared them to run in college.
“I think our training helps us to be the best we can and it prepares us to go into meets with confidence to give it our all. Later on if we decide to run in college, our experiences in races and training in high school will help us navigate college training and racing,” said Solcany.
The girls cross country team has won 66 county and sectional championships over the years. This year, they have beaten Newburgh, Pine Bush, Kingston, Washingtonville and Middletown as well as multiple private schools. Their long line of success has people, including other coaches from different teams, from all over the district supporting the team every step of the way.
“I wish all the girls the utmost best of luck in the state meet this weekend!” said Coach Fugowski who is inspired by the team’s success this season.
From running in the summery weather in June to the snappy weather of November, the girls cross country teams support system they have for each other helps them grow.
“We have come a long way this season by pushing each other to do our best,” said junior Kayla Postolowski.
