CGS cross country captains ready team for success
By Britton Masback ’20
Toeing the line at Catlin Gabel’s sole home cross country meet on a rainy Friday afternoon, senior Lila Fenner’s mind was elsewhere. In her final year of high school cross country, the responsibility as team co-captain is ever-present for Fenner and co-captain Will Leonard.
Though every member of the team pursues individual goals for the season, each person’s race is part of the larger team journey.
“It’s a really fun team to be a part of,” Fenner observed. “There is great camaraderie because we run the same workouts and races, and no matter how fast you are, you still have to push yourself because it contributes to the team result.”
Fenner highlights the unique community aspect of cross country, a sport in which the team’s score is determined by totaling the finishing places of the first five runners.
Fenner won the race over CGS’ hilly course by a wide margin, but the challenge for the girls team, state champions in 2016 and 2018, is that the current time gap between the team’s first and fifth runners is too wide, something they’ll look to reduce as the season progresses.
The boys team, led by senior co-captain Leonard, has several strong runners and a good supporting cast. Following his own victory in the home competition, he spoke of his role as captain.
“Last year we had a strong team and placed fourth at the state championships. Although it's easy to be proud of my own running and improvement, I think I am most proud of how I have motivated others,” said Leonard.
Leonard and Fenner helped lead summer practices and currently organize team activities when the coaches are not around.
“This year we have more depth than ever before. If everyone remains healthy, winning the state meet is a definite possibility, ” Leonard shared.
CGS cross country team at the Ultimook Race, Sept. 7, 2019. From left to right, Benjamin Olshin (‘21), Mike Hart (‘22), Luke Aitchison (‘20), Alexandria Nagy (‘22), Dylan Smith (‘20), Jimmy Maslen (‘20), Lila Fenner (‘20), Alyssa Zhang (‘20), Megan Cover (‘22), Casey Shultis (‘20), Will Leonard (‘20) and Ryan Shultis (‘20). Courtesy of Catlin Gabel Cross Country Team.