Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country (2023-2024)
By JINMIN LEE ‘26
The boys’ and girls’ cross country teams merged into one team this year with much success. After winning many meets, the runners culminated their season with the boys becoming New England champions and girls placing second in the NEPSAC Interscholastic Race held at Loomis Chaffee.
The season began in June, even before preseason, when the runners ran high mileage over summer break to build up their base stamina. Before leaving campus in May, the cross-country team created a shared Google Sheet to log their daily mileage. Runners could show support by commenting on each other’s runs. By the time preseason started, everyone was excited for the season.
Runners enjoyed the shift to a co-ed team. “There’s been a big change,” Captain Annika Finelli shared. “The boys’ and girls’ programs have combined, so it’s me and Andrea working with the captains on the guys’ side. We’ve been trying to work together. It might have seemed difficult, but cross-country has always been a sport where I’ve really enjoyed the team dynamic, so practices have worked great.”
Captain Andrea Nystedt agreed, explaining how the team kept its hardworking yet positive dynamic: “I think what’s really special is that everybody shows up and is prepared to work hard. However, everybody’s also having a fun time, and I think that’s the most important thing. There’s a serious tone, but there’s also a lighthearted tone.”
“I think it is great that I run with some of the girls as well as some of the boys,” concurred prep Henry Hazelton, a new member of the cross country team. “It really makes the team a lot closer together. Andrea has run with me many times and she has helped me get a feel for Exeter as well as being a friend.”
At the end of the season, coaches and runners were excited about the Nike Cross Regionals Race over Thanksgiving break. “We were looking not only towards our usual prep school competition, but also to Nike Cross Country Regionals (NXR) and competing against not just private schools, but all the schools in the New England region,” Davis said. “That’ll be exciting. Our kids are really strong. I always hope we can win, I always think we can win, and there’s always a way and there’s always a chance and I believe we can do it this year.”
“Yes, I would love it if we won NXR,” said Nystedt, “but if you’re unhealthy and or unhappy, you’re not going to run well. I just want everybody to stay injury-free and keep building connections within the team.”
Finelli agreed: “At the end of the day, having a team to lead just makes me happier. Knowing I have this responsibility gives me something to work toward to be that older figure for these underclassmen.
This caring and fun bond in the team made the season special. Head Coach Brandon Newbould observed that “Annika and Andrea complement each other in leadership qualities. Andrea’s genuine care and kindness towards her teammates plays a key role in bringing our newer athletes through the first couple of challenging weeks as they adjust to the rigors of training and racing.” On the other hand, “Annika’s playfulness belies her attention to logistics and organization, which has been very helpful this year as we merge the teams. She knows how to bring the goofy, but no one doubts the seriousness with which she approaches the sport in terms of performance.”
As the season ended with a strong finish at NXR and Byron Grevious ranking 9th in Nike Cross Nationals, manager Nhan Phan made a cross-country documentary. He interviewed all team members, using 48 hours of raw footage to capture every athlete’s struggles, victories, and bonding. Students filled the Forum in the Elizabeth Phillips and Activities Center to watch the film. By the end, teammates, especially seniors, embraced each other in tears, noticing how the journey made the team become a family.
