11/7/24 Highlight: Varsity Cross Country

By NAOMI MOSKOVICH and JADE YOO  

Saturday, November 2nd was a big day for Cross Country. The cross country team has been on a roll in recent weeks, culminating in an exciting dual meet victory against Andover on Saturday, for the second time. This match-up is always a highlight of the season, with both teams pushing each other to their limits. 

“Our team dynamic has been key to our success,” upper Ethan Benenson says, “Even though cross country may seem like an individual sport, having teammates alongside you can make a world of difference.” During races, often, runners who have completed their races and/or haven’t completed yet cheer on their teammates and push them to be their best. This sentiment was echoed by many as they prepared for the race, knowing that their performance would not only affect them individually but also contribute to the team’s overall outcome.

In the lead-up to the meet, runners spoke about their focused preparation. “We deeply respect Andover as competitors, so we were very serious about our training,” Benenson adds. The effort paid off during the race, where the excitement of the competition was clear. “I had a mental image of the top five and where I needed to be to win,” Benenson shares, reflecting on the strategic approach they took throughout the race.

Despite the pressure, the team managed to maintain composure after starting strong. “It was a great race from everyone, and I especially want to shout out Artur for his valiant final kick,” Beneson said, highlighting the teamwork that led to their narrow victory. The camaraderie and encouragement among teammates plays a major role in their performance. 

Now, the Phillips Exeter Cross Country team checks off Andover and looks ahead to Interschols where they remain optimistic. This will also be the last race for the Class of 2025, so that will be a memorable farewell.