The boys cross country team has brought a competitive spirit so far to the courses this season, and they are ready to accomplish even more as the state races approach.

The 2018 Raiders are led by seniors Tyler Balas, Ryne Beni, and Ryan Mitchell. The team was hit with an obstacle early in the season when the first meet was rescheduled due to a rain delay, however, it was nothing that the boys could not overcome.

After spending months training in the summer heat, everyone was fully prepared for their races; they came out extremely well in the first three meets. Individually and collectively, the Raiders proved to be tough competitors. Issuing impressive times across the board in each meet.

On Oct. 18, the team competed in the County Championship at Phillipsburg. The whole varsity squad did well, but Mitchell was outstanding; he was awarded some hardware for his top three (second overall) finish in the meet with a time of 16:37.

“It was pretty good because I lost to some of those guys a week before and I was able to redeem myself,” Mitchell said. “It is cool because it shows how my hard work paid off.”

Although the seniors’ final season is ending soon, the Raiders have a lot of talent coming up; on Oct. 24, at Deer Path Park, freshman Matthew Callesano ran a “sub 18” (below 18 minutes) 5k, which is varsity time.

The Raider Boys look to maintain good times on Saturday, Nov. 10, in Holmdel, to continue their run in the state races.