Seven years ago is where it all started for runner Robert Gugliotti. His cross country journey began as soon as he was inspired by his older sister who did track in high school. But, as a sixth grader in middle school, there was no track team. Instead, Gugliotti joined cross country, which ended up being a great decision.
Getting along with teammates is one of the main things that makes cross country a good environment for Guglitotti. It makes cross country even more special.
“Even if there are some people you do not like, eventually you will learn to like them.”
It is a new season, but this season is a lot different from previous years. This year, the team is much smaller. With less people, it might be a challenge, but, if the team works together, they can reach their goals. In Guglotti’s eyes, this year, he wants to keep everyone together and make sure freshman feel comfortable with the team.
“The smaller the team the closer we are, so we have to push harder to keep each other together,” said Guglotti. “We are gonna try to lower the distance between each person so we can stay together while racing.”
Guglotti is coming off of many injuries such as regained shin splints, problems with his hamstring, and a pulled tendon in his foot. That will not stop him from running the best he can. He has many goals to achieve for his last year at Woodland.
In previous years a proud accomplishment of Gugliotti’s is winning Naugatuck Valley League Championships. Now that it is his senior year, he strives to achieve winning NVLs again. Gugliotti’s personal goal for the season is to also get below the 20 minute running time.
“This year will serve as a battle to recovery.”
