2003 Cross Country Preview


What should you expect to see in the 2003 Cross Country campaign?


Wow! The excitement is the in air! Can you feel it? There are good vibrations about this season that I cannot fully explain. They just exist. Alan Paton, in his award winning book Cry, The Beloved Country said, "There is something NEW in this valley, some SPIRIT and some LIFE, and much to talk about..." Paton goes on to say, "Although nothing has come yet, something is here already." Well that is what is happening prior to the season starting. Everyone knows that we CAN do it. We saw the girls team become Co-Champs of the Catholic Central League in 2002, and that was a blast! We had so much team spirit at that point, and the team wants to feel that same way again. We want to create that magic again. We have high expectations, and have the ability to do VERY well. Hear me now - we do have the power to bark with the big dogs! Spellman Cross Country has progressed from year to year, but at this point, we are ready. We demand success! We do have some new runners, but we have many returnees too. From the girls' roster, Amanda Lynch is still the top runner for their team, and her co-captain Caylee Warnock and senior Valerie Jones will try to inspire the other girls. They have a title to reclaim this year, but they don't want to share their title this year, they want it to themselves! From the mens' roster anything is possible! The guys team this year have LOTS of potential, and the top five guys could really rotate from meet to meet. We especially are expecting to see great things out of Ryan McGovern (class of 2006) and Andrew Fortin (class of 2005.) There is going to be a lot of competition this year, both on the individual and team level. There is one thing you can count on though. Everyone will be trying their best. Watch out for the Fighting Cardinals in 2003! This is going to be one special year!

                                                                                                                                                                                - Capt. Ryan Donovan  (Class of 2004)



What are the runners themselves saying about the 2003 season? How do they feel?


Here are what some members of the team had to say about the upcoming season:


Val Jones (Class of 2004) - "I believe that our team will perform exceedingly well during the 2003-2004 season. I have high hopes and expectations. I have no doubt that we can keep our champion status, if we all work extra hard. My personal goals are to place in the majority of races and to do my very best and work my very hardest during every meet. As for the team, I hope that everyone tries their hardest to do their best. I hope that we can unite and come across as a strong team."

Paul Howard (Class of 2006) - "I think the teams are doing good and this could be our year. I think the guys have a good chance, because we have a very strong top five and back up in case of injuries. I want to improve and try and become more of the middle group instead of the back pack."

Stephen Hughes (Class of 2004) - "Well this year I feel the boys team will have a remarkable season. Summer practices have gone well and hopefully with the new freshmen we can have a good mix or upperclassmen and new comers. I really feel like we have tons of potential! Being champions is a thing that I know is not out of reach! This season I will want to take on a leadership role. Even though I was not voted captain, as a senior, it is my duty to usher in a new class of runners. I want to help in any way possible. I just want to make sure I can help motivate and guide the team as much as possible."

Caylee Warnock (Class of 2005) - "I want to try to come within at least one minute of state time =) and I am going to try my best... and I want the girls team to try their best."

Tim Williams (Class of 2004) - "I think the girls have some hope in their season by having one of the top girl runners in the league. The boys got a good shot at winning the league. The key goal for us winning the league is "Determined Desire." My goal this year is not stopping, and to run like my life depended on it. Another goal for the guys team is to work together. There will not be a title for the guys unless we show 110% teamwork."


                                            Words of Wisdom

                                 "Gravity of Love" by Enigma

                    "Turn around and smell what you don't see
                    Close your eyes ... it is so clear
                    Here's the mirror, behind there is a screen
                    On both ways you can get in.....

                    Don't think twice before you listen to your heart
                    Follow the trace for a new start...."