The girls’ varsity cross country team traveled north to Exeter, NH on Choate Day 2016, representing Deerfield in the New England Cross Country Championships. It was a picture perfect sunny day with a slight chill in the air and the girls took full advantage, besting our respected arch rival Choate, among a host of other highly ranked squads. Following historically strong Exeter and Andover teams, Deerfield finished third among all thirteen Division I schools, led by 9th grader Victoria Patterson who navigated the 5k course in a personal best time of 18:58 (6:07/mile) for fourth place, overall. Following Victoria were 11th grader Erin Hudson 6th, whose 19:21 was a significant personal record (6:14/mile), plucky 9th grader Jane Mallach 26th, 20:47 (6:42/mile) recovering from a thigh strain, veteran 10th grader Lilly Shuhda 31st 21:01 (6:46/mile), determined 11th grader Carolyn Melvin 36th 21:12 (6:50/mile), fearless 11th grader Nora Markey 39th 21:15 (6:51/mile), and in the seventh varsity position for Deerfield, tough-as-nails 11th grader Helen Downes 52nd 21:40 (6:59/mile). Melvin’s stellar fifth position team finish sealed the deal for the Big Green, allowing the girls to edge out a strong St. Paul’s team for third.
Ironically, but expectedly, the JV squad also ran a wonderful race on Saturday and finished third to Exeter and Andover. Led by 11th grader Sofi Sintes 14th 21:45, the chase pack of girls included 9th grader Erin Howe 16th 21:52, senior Co-Captain Margot Genereux 21st 22:13, Co-senior Captain Hannah Swinerton 24th 22:25, 10th grader Ely Burke 26th 22:27, senior Lily Horwitch 42nd 23:24, senior Katie “The Lobster” Morse 60th 24:03, Penelope “Pitch Perfect” Hough 63rd 24:10, Gemma “The Beast” Bishop 66th 24:15, and senior Co-Captain Madisen Siegel 73rd 24:26. Wonderful day of performances for everyone!
Coaches Hall and Karbon and I would like to thank all the dedicated parents who week-in and week-out, rain or shine, came out to support the girls. We also would like to thank the Athletic Department staff and trainers for their remarkable support and efforts in keeping our girls healthy and in the fight. Last but not least, we thank every single one of the girls of Deerfield Cross Country; from the varsity stars to the girls who never formally ran before September. Their collective enthusiasm, dedication, and joy for the sport and one another’s fellowship are sources of great pride for their coaches.
Go Big Green, hurrah!
Dennis Cullinane
Head Coach