Article by Phoenix writer Cassandra Odudukudu ’24:
In a stunning display of athleticism and determination, the sophomores of the Girls Cross Country team won the Nassau and Suffolk Catholic High School Girls Sophomore Championship.
On Wednesday, October 18, the girls traveled to Sunken Meadow State Park to participate in the race. Held on a crisp autumn day, the girls defined this championship with their adaptability and record breaking performances.
The team ran a 2.5 mile trail, but, despite the long and rough terrain, the girls were able to surmount the obstacles and come out victorious. Showing great speed and endurance the girls bolted past their opponents, not only winning first place but also beating their own personal records. What made this performance particularly impressive was that not just one sophomore beat their personal record, but seven!
One athlete that really showed out was Ryleigh Nasso. She not only won first individual for the championship, but she beat her personal record by bringing it down almost two minutes to a remarkable 17 minutes and 38 seconds. According to her, the key to success is “keeping to myself and just focusing on what I need to do.”
Coach Brown said, “The girls have come a long way and improved so much. They really peaked at the right time.”
The Suffolk Coaches Invitational meet was also a great success for the team, as the JV team won their division and Varsity was runner up to the best team in Suffolk, Sachem East.
