The South Boys Cross-Country (XC) team ran one of the toughest courses this season — the Holmdel course, a 5k course with hills and daunting rocky roads. They placed ninth in the state. 

     Before their impressive achievement in states, the boys won the sectional championships for the second year in a row.  In addition to their win at sectionals, the boys placed second in Mercer County Championships and fifth at Group Championships.

     According to nj.milesplit.com, a website that records times of competitive distance runners, senior co-captain Austin True finished third with a time of 16:13, senior co-captain Benjamin Fanta finished with a time of 16:15 and senior George Gochuico finished two seconds later, with a time of 16:18.

     Jillian Dowling, senior co-captain of the girls’ cross-country team, said in an email interview, “The boys’ team did an amazing job this year and definitely deserve the recognition!” Dowling said of the boys’ team spirit, “[T]hey care for and support one another and is what makes them a fantastic team.” 

     Fanta said, “In cross-country, the most important thing is always going to be heart because you don’t get to be a really good runner without that kind of heart.” 

     Reflecting  on their ranking this season, Fanta said, “I don’t think it matters too much because, at the end of the day, we’re still a great team. We’re still really hard-working, we’re still just amazing people, we’re always fun to be around and I really enjoy it.” 

     Junior Patrick Rancan said, “On the outside, it’s just a sport, but on the inside, you make life-long connections and friends.”