The Cross Country teams raced to the finish line on Saturday resulting in both the girls moving on to the Meet of Champions and a qualification for the boys to go to the all group meet. The boys just advanced out of the CJ Group Four before embarking on this next step. Now one may ask, how does such a team continue to run on?

“Train together-race together,” boys head coach Eric Rosenthal cited as the team’s mantra and the method for its success.

This year, it was made a top priority. In fact, he believes it is more of a key component in his coaching strategy than any other year he has ever coached the team. Although he is no stranger to team building and bonding, he has been known to have the team do runs from his house as well as having athletes share breakfast with each other as a team.

“I’m really close to the boys,” Rosenthal said, “I don’t think there’s anything they won’t tell me.”

Considering the girls team, its powerhouse lineup has been a force to reckon with from the beginning of the season. Top seven senior runners Stephanie Mauer, Paige Novak, Olivia Delorenzo, and Kelly Cianciola made us proud throughout the season with their talent and dedication.

“That’s all anyone could ask for,” girls head coach Richard Refi said when reflecting on their accomplishments throughout their four years.

Speaking of accomplishments, the team had quite a few this season. They won the Old Bridge meet, the Shore Coaches Invitational and went on to win counties. In addition, the girls went into the Group Four Championships with a win in sectionals under their belts.

As for the boys’ accomplishments, their crowning acheivement was earning the Somerset County Championship. Senior Brandon Tubby was perceived by many to be the star runner from the starting line with deep determination to break new records and a massive breakout season last year. He recently surpassed the school course record with a time of 15:57 at Tomson Park. The team overall averaged a time of 16:49 just a tenth of a second off the previous school record. Hopefully, the team can continue this success next year despite losing Tubby and fellow senior Austin Raymond.

As for what to expect from the girls in 2016, it’s anyone’s guess. A good guess is continued success as successful teams seem to grow like weeds under Hall of Fame coach Refi.

“Everyone shows potential,” Refi said. “I mean, if they’re willing to work, they will improve.”

Refi’s philosophy is one that has worked for many people throughout history and may just be what the team needs to do to defend its titles in 2016. In the meantime, let’s show our support for the Lady Raiders as they prepare to run in the all-important Meet of Champions.