MONROE, CT — The Jockey Hollow Middle School Lions cross country team took first place in both the boys and girls races in their first meet, “The Pumpkin Race” in Bethel, on Sept. 23. Several runners won pumpkins for finishing in the top five in their races.
The Lions beat middle schools from Beth, New Fairfield and Sherman.
Then on Oct. 2, the Lions traveled to Trumbull to compete against Madison, Hillcrest and Flood middle schools.
“Everyone on our team finished the 1.71 mile course race. Both girls and boys earned first place finishes in their races,” said Rob Troesser, who coaches the Lions with Donald Casey Jr.
Cross Country courses include various types of terrain, not including a track. In a given race, runners could traverse paths in the woods, roads, and other types of surfaces, which are sometimes hilly.
The distance is approximately 1.5 to two miles for middle school students and times are recorded for both boys and girls when competing.
In practice, Coach Troesser and Coach Casey begin each session with a team meeting. Goals are set for each practice and upcoming meets.
“As a team, we stretch and prepare for a distance run,” Casey said. “On many occasions, the team will run one mile, which is four laps around Jockey Hollow. We focus on safety first, respect for each other, working together as a team, and having fun. Practice ends with our team cheer: One, two, three! Lions!”
JHMS Cross Country Schedule
The cross country team invites fans to cheer them on. The Lions will host home meets on:
- Thursday, Oct. 10, at Great Hollow Lake vs. Newtown, Madison and Hillcrest middle schools, at 4 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 17, at Great Hollow Lake vs. Flood, Wooster and Fairfield Woods middle schools, at 4 p.m.
The last meet is on the road in Stratford, against Flood Middle School on Oct. 24, at 4 p.m.
