Boys varsity cross country won the MIAA State Championship 62-71, on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Willard Field in Devens. With this win, the Warriors brought home their third consecutive State Championship.
The Warriors were not the favorites coming into the meet, something they were unaccustomed to. Along with the BC High Eagles, the other teams in attendance included the Natick Red Hawks, the Andover Golden Warriors, and the Concord-Carlisle Patriots.
Last week at the Massachusetts Divisional Championship, the Warriors finished second behind the Eagles. However, they were able to come up and secure the victory against them during states. Senior Altamo Aschkenasy said he remained confident as he knew his team’s training had adequately prepared them for this meet.
“Well we weren’t really expected to win,” Aschkenasy said. “But we just came in, just gave it our all, we had the training, we had the hard work, we have [coach] Glennon so that’s going to help.”
Aschkenasy in particular played a major role in the Warrior’s victory, individually placing third with a time of 15:38.93. This race had a special place in Aschkenasy’s heart, as he knew it would be one of his final opportunities to run and represent the community that means so much to him before he graduates.
“I feel like this community has made me what I am and what they’ve done for me is everything so I had to give it everything for them too,” Aschkenasy said.
However, it didn’t always look like the Warriors were on their way to victory, as they trailed the Eagles for the majority of the race. After beginning the race at a quick pace, senior and captain Lysander Duffield, coming in 9th with a time of 15:59.77, said he was able to maintain a consistent rhythm throughout the race.
“There was a hill after two miles so I was able to pass people, and I got 9th in the end,” Duffield said. “I think I run hills in general better than almost anybody in the state.”
This was head coach Dave Flemming’s first year as head coach, and while the players may have grown used to this type of victory, Flemming said he was elated by his first championship experience.
“This team is used to this. This is their third championship in a row. But for me, it’s my first, so it’s amazing,” Flemming said. “The team worked really hard, they ran hard today and they deserve to have some fun now.”
After celebrating this victory, the Warriors will shift their focus to Nov. 23, when they will be competing at the Nike Cross Regionals in New York. This meet serves as a qualifier for Nike Cross Nationals and is an opportunity that Duffield is excited about.
“I think it’s just the culmination of things we’ve been looking forward to,” Duffield said. “I mean I’ve been thinking about this day for three or four years now so it’s good to get it done.”
