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St. Luke's Varsity Cross Country: Season Preview
The St. Luke’s Varsity Cross Country team is looking forward to some cooler weather as fall kicks in, but the heat has not hindered the team’s preparations.
Preseason training got underway on Monday, August 20 and head coach Corliss Spencer says the group has been working hard throughout: “We were down at Waveny most of preseason, so we were able to spend a lot the time in the shade when running. It was significantly cooler, so we were able to get a lot done despite the heat.”
As well as putting in the miles on the track, Spencer says the runners have focussed on core strength and yoga to help with injury prevention: “This year we incorporated some yoga into our workouts. It was hugely successful because it was physical yoga and worked the core and upper body and the kids were super receptive.”
The 10-year veteran plans to continue the cross-training throughout the season with St. Luke’s strength and conditioning coach Mr. Havens: “We are trying to work with Mr. Havens on a regular basis to help with injury prevention. Our attendance at preseason has been excellent, and we have managed to make it through the first couple of weeks without any major injuries, which is fantastic.”
This year’s squad will be captained by seniors Carolina Warneryd and Christian Pizzarelli, and Spencer has been impressed with both: “Carolina came back in superb condition and did extremely well in the two preseason races. Christian is also in great shape as he spends most of the summer guiding canoe trips which involve a lot of physical work.”
Spencer has also been encouraged by the leadership shown by her two captains: “They are essentially running the practices as I communicate to them what I want to get done and they try to keep the runners focused. They lead the warm-ups, the cooldowns, and the core exercises. I am also encouraging the runners to communicate with the captains as much as possible. They have done an excellent job so far.”
The team only have three FAA meets this year, down from five, so will compete in the Wilton Invitational, the South Kent Invitational and the Sub Varsity Warrior race before the FAA and New England Championship races.
The annual fun run will again take place at Homecoming on Saturday, October 13 and Spencer would love to see St. Luke’s students, families, faculty, and friends join the team: “We are really going to make this a fun event this year, so we invite everyone to come and join us. It’s a great way to kick off Homecoming and the team is already looking forward to it.”
The Cross Country team will compete in the Wilton Invitational on Saturday, September 15 before the first FAA meet on Tuesday, September 25 at Sherwood Island Park.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
