Seniors leading cross country team

The Pope John XXIII Regional High School cross country teams may not have official captains, but they do not lack leadership with eight seniors competing this fall.

“We do not have named captains in cross country,’’ head coach Brian Corcoran said. “Our senior student athletes take the mantle of leadership.”

The seniors are Frank Marucci, Jackson Pascale and Patrick Robinson, Ali Carlucci, Audrey Higgins, Bella Metternich, Kate Nolan and Evie Pabalan.

“The season is still very young. We have only had (a few) competitions thus far,” he said. “The girls won their first two dual meets of the season, while the boys are still searching for their first win. Kate Nolan has led the team in both meets, while Patrick Robinson leads the boys.’’

Corcoran said the seniors have improved since the first day of preseason practice.

“Our seniors have been outstanding in verbally communicating with their teammates and coaches,’’ he said. “The boys in particular have been strong as we have a younger team this year.

“Whether answering typical questions for newcomers or listening ... , they have been exceptional in creating a team atmosphere.’’

The seniors also are strong in the classroom.

“All the senior members are in Honors level or Advanced Placement level courses,’’ the coach said. “They are excellent students. Their ability to balance their time between challenging courses and the commitment to their team is extraordinary.’’

All of them help their teammates become better runners in a variety of ways.

“All of the seniors have taken the mantle of leadership seriously and have helped the newer student athletes understand the concept of getting better every day, teaching exercises in the weight room and structuring their runs around the new members,’’ Corcoran said. “They are wonderful examples of our program.”

The Lions are scheduled to compete in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Championship meets Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Morris County Central Park.

“For the girls, Julia Ireland and Gwen O’Hearn, both juniors, have been two of our top runners this year,’’ Corcoran said. “For the boys, Declan Brown has seen a big improvement in his racing and helps lead our young pack.’’