On Tuesday, September 10th, Woodland’s cross country team won their first meet of the season.

Emma Slavin, Senior Captain of the Woodland cross country team, knew that she would have to step her game up this season. She wanted the team to perform even better than last year– maybe even qualify for state opens. But she knew that it would take some work. 

Slavin and the other senior members brainstormed in a group chat. They devised two ways to prepare everyone before the start of the season. They held a captain’s meeting at Woodland for the incoming freshmen before the first official practice where members were shown the course and how a practice is usually run. Seniors also organized and participated in group runs each week at the Lock 12 Canal Trail in Cheshire. These runs were intended to encourage team bonding, and introduce the freshmen to some of their teammates. The seniors felt that it was a good way to jumpstart the season; and it was. 

The first meet consisted of four different schools: Woodland, Holy Cross, Watertown, and St. Paul. First place through fifth place were all claimed by Woodland girls, with Jaden Young taking first and Slavin taking second. 

Slavin described the meet as a really big confidence booster for the team. She says that this victory is one of many on the road to states. Last year, Woodland’s cross country team placed fourth at states. This year, the goal for them is to be in the top two and qualify for state opens. Right now the future is bright. Slavin says that such a good start to the season means even better meets in the future. 

“We had a lot of personal records already,” Slavin revealed. “But we really want to try and win the NVL championship again.” 

Photo creds: Emma Flaherty