Cross Country captains give plenty of guidance

Led by captains Pat Lynch (senior), Jordan Ouimette (senior) and Chris Pierson (junior), there is plenty of guidance in Sparta High School boy’s cross country program.

“The captains were chosen by the team prior to the season,’’ Sparta head coach Robert Gilmartin said. “Our captains were are all returning upperclassmen that the younger runners looked up to. All three the runners have improved on their 5K times over last season and established their own personal best race times."

Lynch started running competitively as a firstyear student.

“I was attracted to the sport by the tight group of friends that you make and building your endurance,’’ Lynch said. "I would like to improve upon my speed and my time of finishing races."

Pierson began competitive running as a 7th grader.

“I always had good endurance and a positive attitude,’’ Pierson said. He noted that Gilmartin "has been a huge supporter and has helped me to become a better overall runner from 2015 to present."

Ouimette just recently began running competitivelyas a junior.

“Something about running is meditative, and being a part of the team is like being a part of family,’’ Ouimette said. “I have a lot of heart and work my hardest everyday. No matter how fast you are, every runner would like to get faster.... I would love to see our team with the (NJSIAA) State Championship.’’

James Bates, Jake Galluccio, Paul Shumlas and Sam Adames are seniors new to the cross country team after being on the track and field team for the past few years. They, along with returning runner Ryan McQuillan, have done an amazing job of being quiet leaders, the coach said. With more than half the team new to cross country, the team is focusing on individual development.

"The middle school cross country and track teams have been very successful over the past few years and we are starting to see the young talented runners make their way on the varsity team which makes us excited for the future," he said.

The Spartans are scheduled for a meet at Kittatinny on Oct. 22.