Season Recap: Varsity Cross Country

This season, the Varsity Cross Country Team set out with clear goals: build unity, deepen team participation, and support every athlete in achieving their personal best through hard work and team spirit. The season brought its challenges, from managing rapid roster growth to ensuring every runner felt seen and motivated, all while maintaining high standards for commitment and performance.

Despite these challenges, the team celebrated remarkable achievements. Most notably, the Gryphons doubled the number of runners scoring as a team of six, boosting their competitive profile while preserving individual growth. Highlights included Ashwin Long qualifying for regionals for the third consecutive year, Dennis Lemoine and Barrett Greene breaking into the 22-minute range, freshman Kalyl Ford-Yosha debuting in the 21s, Josh Christie leading the team with a low-19-minute 5K, and Delano Sanchez closing the season at sectionals with a determined 22:18; an effort demonstrating both depth and resilience in championship settings.

Head Coach Jared Johnson also emphasized the importance of team culture: “The supportive atmosphere and dedication to growth helped everyone rise to their goals. Our commitment to both competition and personal improvement laid the foundation for this year’s progress and set the benchmark for future successes.”

Athletes reflected on personal milestones and team memories as well. Grade 10 first-year runner Delano Sanchez celebrated cutting three minutes off his time, noting, “My favorite memory was the first meet as a team when I got a time and understood my ability.”

For Grade 12 runner and team captain Ashwin Long, the Brownsburg Invitational stood out: “It was cold, damp, and windy, but I was running with my team—a full team! Everyone PR’d by large margins, and I couldn’t have been prouder.” Long added, “Truly, it was an honor to train and race as a Gryphon. We might be small, but our hearts are mighty. A dangerous combination! I can’t wait to see where Cross Country at ISI goes next!”

This season proved that through hard work, resilience, and team spirit, Gryphon Cross Country is not just about running; it’s about growth, unity, and pride.