By Asher Berkner
Photo by Jadawn Darensbourg
Cross country at the Willow school had another successful season this fall, and the runners seem to have improved greatly over last year.
Senior Alexander Tillero was a very noticeable bright spot on the team performing very well this season. “Javi has had an extremely outstanding season,” said Coach Darensbourg. “He broke the existing school record one week and then broke his own record the next week.”
Tillero was able to break the school record in the three mile twice this season, with the former record in the three mile being 16:45, but Tillero this season was able to have a time of 16:11 and a time of 16:07 this season, establishing himself as one of Willow’s best-ever cross country runners.
“I feel I’ve done very well,” Tillero said. “I’ve broken the school record, which has been a goal of mine for a while. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team and my coaches.”
But Tillero isn’t the only bright spot on the team, with other runners also having done well.
”I think I’ve definitely improved since last year,” said freshman runner Ella Berkner. “I’m far from placing first, but if I’d run three miles last year, I would be minutes behind my current time.”
Others have noticed the improvements of the entire team. “This season of cross country has excelled in all aspects,” said sophomore cross country runner Geroge Gibson. “Mostly everyone gained a new personal record.”
“This season, the three freshman girls and one sophomore girl have been standouts because of the leadership and encouragement given to them by the only senior girl on the team, Sirena N’mili,” said Coach Darensbourg. “While the entire boys’ team had outstanding performances this season, I’d like to acknowledge George Gibson. This is his first year running cross country, and he has shown great aptitude for the sport.”
The future of the team also appears to be looking good, with the runners being positive about what the future holds for the team. Although we have six varsity boys graduating this school year, they are leaving a great group of promising athletes behind,” said Coach Darensborug. “These young men have proven they are ready to step into the shoes of the outgoing seniors. The girls’ team is a young team, but they have proven that they are ready to compete. They have consistently shaved one to two minutes off their time every meet.”
“I don’t think the boys will have much of a problem because they’re all already great runners,” said Berkner. “I’m more worried for the girls’ team since there is only one senior girl, and the rest of us are fairly new to cross country.”
If the team’s performance this season is any indication, there’s no reason for concern.
