The start of the school year means a new cross country season. This year it also means a new coach, a larger team size and new goals.

The 2022 Cross Country season has begun and NDB welcomed new head coach, Tom McGlynn. McGlynn qualified for the Olympic Trials Marathon three times and also ran at Penn State University before running with the Nike Farm Team. He has coached thousands of athletes throughout his career and aims to teach them to become runners for life. McGlynn, along with assistant coach Will Evans, focuses on creating a positive environment for runners to work hard, build endurance and have fun.

This year, the team is larger than ever with almost thirty runners on the JV and varsity teams combined. The three seniors on the team are sad that their last season had already begun, yet are excited for the challenging races lined up ahead.

“I am really looking forward to this season for many reasons, the most being it is my senior year, so my last year to run with my team,” said team captain and senior Delaney Icard-Cullen. “I really believe we have a great big group of girls that are already starting the season so strong and well, and I can really see everyone improving and achieving personal records.”

The first race of the season, the Lowell Invitational, occurred on September 10 in Golden Gate Park. The team will be running in the Ram Invitational at Westmoor HS on September 24. The usual league meets will take place starting in October into early November.

In preparation for the upcoming meets, the team has been training vigorously at practices. The team practices six times a week on and off campus.

One of the team’s favorite courses is Waterdog Lake Trail in Belmont. The mile-long warmup paired with the two to seven mile runs allow the girls to build endurance and strength while running. Completing the hard workouts, maintaining healthy eating habits and hydrating all prepare the team for the season ahead.