By Maeve Rourke – Staff Reporter

The Jonathan Law boys and girls cross country team enjoyed a successful season.

Both teams were determined to become stronger and more competitive over the season. Many of the runners made their personal bests, which in turn improved the team’s overall ranking.

“The girls all had a lot of personal records this year and really ran their hearts out,” senior girl’s captain Amita Sastry said. “I’m so proud of [the girls] because so many of them shaved two or even three minutes off their time from last year.”

Throughout the season the teams did drills everyday to ensure improvement.

The boys team did a lot of hill workouts to ease the flat road races, and to get stronger. They also ran several miles a day to practice.

The girls Team ran five miles everyday and did drills to improve their speed and endurance.

The drills paid off, for this year at SCCs, the boys team placed 16th and the girls 17th.

“The team did really well [this year], especially in the JV race, which gives us hope for the future season,” junior captain Matt Zancewicz said.

This year at States six girls ran: Lauren Paredes, Chloe McCullough, Cassandra Soda, Emma Saley, Irmina (Mimi) Chrzastek, and Samantha Franzman. Overall they placed 18th.

“The team did great at states,” junior Emma Saley said. “We all worked to achieve our goals and improve our times.”

This year seven boys ran at states:  Matthew Zancewicz, Dan Wasserman, Michael Lanzaro, Ryan Wasserman, Jonathan Feher, Thomas Gambardella, and Matt Paulus. Overall they placed 17th.

Not only have the runners personal times improved, but also the friendships on the teams.

The 16 runners on the girls cross country team are now closer than ever.

“The girls team is really close, we’re like a family,” said junior captain Lauren Paredes. “We all got close with one another and really bonded this season.”

The Boys team has also enjoyed their season, and have become closer friends.

“Cross country’s been a great experience,” senior Mike Lanzaro said.  “It has given me the chance to run on beautiful courses around Connecticut, meet new people, form close bonds with teammates, and make lifelong memories I’ll keep forever.”

Both teams are already getting excited for next year, and plan to improve even more. Both teams work toward achieving their ultimate goal for next season: beat Foran.