By Molly Charney

As the fall sports season has come to a close, the cross country team has had a chance to reflect on its accomplishments this season.  This past fall has been a tremendous season for the Briarcliff Cross Country team, both for individual runners and the team as a whole.

The boys’ team won the league championship for the first time in 24 years, a very exciting feat.  The girls’ team was able to field a full squad and hopes to continue to grow by encouraging girls to be involved in the program. Five runners also received all-league recognition: Stephen Shine, Ian Wax, Jacob Ryan, Blake Ellwood and Caroline Pennacchio.  Stephen and Caroline also went on to receive all-county honors.  Stephen was all-state (1^st team), all-section and recognized in the region as well.  Stephen and Caroline, a freshman, qualified for and had the opportunity to run in the state meet near Buffalo, NY, a highlight of the season for both Caroline and Stephen.

Stephen was the Section 1 Class C champion, finishing second in the state (the best finish in Briarcliff history), and Caroline placed in the top half at the state meet.

“As a freshman, this is very impressive,” stated Sam Cohen about Caroline’s success so far.  Sam noted that while it was tough to come out and run six days a week, the support of the team was able to propel the runners through the record-setting season.  While Cohen is sad to leave the cross-country team he has ran on for four years, he is excited about the team’s future as a major contender in the section.  Caroline is also looking forward to next season and the opportunity to run at the state meet again.  Congratulations to the cross country team on a tremendous season!