Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Run Strong

Boys’ Cross-Country Highlights

Filled with high hopes and expectations for the cross-country season ahead, our boys’ cross-country squad is anchored by standout long distance runner Will Strong '22. “Coming off a great 11th grade track season, Will placed in the mile race at the Groups Championships and has the chance to be in the top in all races he competes in this season,” said Head Coach Mike Parker.

Another formidable force can be found in Alex Tulenko '22, who excels in his work ethic, attitude and bodybuilding strength. “Alex tries to make everyone on the team feel positive about themselves,” said Coach Parker. “That trait helps the team build closeness and helps everybody stay up mentally during those hard training sessions.”

As for other talent on the boys’ team, Jacob Goldklang '22 has shown the most improvement over his distance career. “He is the go-to leader to help the underclassmen,” said Coach Parker. “Jacob is a friend to all and acts as the liaison between the coach and team. He will be battling for a top-five spot, competing with junior letter winners Tyler Tellalian '23, Peter Horton '23, and Laksh Patel '23.” In addition, Liam Seeley '24 is in the running for a varsity spot, and the squad’s potential fifth through seventh runners have the power to change each race thanks to the team’s depth. “Lex Webber '24, Ben Spinowitz '25 and Dylan Weaver '25 will be racing to earn a varsity letter and help the team with their main goal that extends to the end of season, placing as a team in the top three in the Group Championship race,” said Coach Parker. “Rounding out the roster and racing to improve the team are Nico Alfaro '23, Riley Bittman '23, Akshay Patel '23, Andrew Vollrath '23, and Jonah Wang '24.

The 2021 season starts with a 5K race at Newark Academy on September 11, when the team will be able to gauge its standing early against their chief rival Rutgers Prep and ten other competitors at that invitational. After a full schedule and racing in conference and county championships, the Knights will look forward to the Prep championship in November.
 

Girls’ Cross-Country Predictions

“Exciting is the word that best describes the girls’ GSB cross-county team for 2021,” said Head Coach Mike Parker. “Four-year varsity award winner Anne Wang '22 was the lone girl on the team her 10th grade year, but now is surrounded by loads of talent starting with the warrior, Michaela Kroon '22, who is an incredible distance runner. Michaela placed fifth in the 2-mile race at the Group championship her junior year, and she is more than capable with her determination and work ethic to continue her running success this season.”

Coach Parker notes his seniors “putting their best foot forward” include Sydney Goldberg '22 and Emma Ryan '22, who will look to help their team’s expectation to improve in every race. “Letter-winner Caroline Rongen '23 came into pre-season with high summer training miles ready to take her running to an advance level, and newcomer Elise Cantu '23, a transfer student, will help the team with her athletic ability and running experience,” said Coach Parker.

The Knights’ excitement continues with the outstanding talent from first-year students. “Our fab four are Ema Hercules '25, Eliana Roslund '25, Mary Young '25, and Katherine Horton '25,” said Coach Parker. “These girls are extremely serious about improving and are working very hard to compete on a varsity level. Their summer training miles were very high and will help our team have a great season.”

The team looks forward to the New Balance Invitational on October 2 at Holmdel, which will help gauge their progress through the 20-team race. Coach Parker projects that the girls’ excitement for the year’s start will turn into high success by the end of the season and a strong performance at the Group Championship on Nov. 11.

Run, Knights, Run!!