Finley Cross Country Sets Foundation
A large turnout helped the J. Taylor Finley Middle School co-ed cross country team to become increasingly competitive this fall and might have laid the groundwork for strong varsity level squads down the road.
The Falcons were led by exceptional seventh grader Garrett Filippini and eighth graders Monica Owen and tri-captains Lucie Lavelle and Austin Dunn. Season highlights included the boys’ squad’s 1.5 mile race victory over Elwood and the girls’ win over Candlewood in a race covering the same distance.
“The cross country team members had great spirit and enthusiasm,” head coach Krista Kozlosky said. “They were focused on achieving their personal best.” The 32-member team was a mix of knowledgeable and experienced runners and newcomers to the sport.
Filippini placed in the top five at every meet and “showed continuous effort and drive throughout the season,” Kozlosky said. “He was eager to learn and improve as a runner. His commitment to the team was appreciated and evident.” Among all the boys’ on the team, Filippini turned in the best times over both a mile (6:16) and 1.5 mile (9:34) course distances.
Owen, a talented and promising runner, was tops among all girls in the mile (7:08) and 1.5 miles (10:33). Owen and Lavelle both placed in the top ten all meets. “They showed a strong desire to improve and were natural leaders,” Kozlosky said.
Dunn also emerged as one of Finley’s best runners, routinely finished among the race leaders. Dunn and fellow tri-captain Daniel Costa, “showed great leadership and shared their knowledge and experience from last year to help others,” the coach said.
Looking ahead to next fall, Kozlosky said she wants to teach the new athletes on the team the fundamental skills needed for long distance running. She also plans to continue the development of team veterans and provide individual workouts based on their respective existing skill level. Another goal is to increase the number of girls participating in the program and bring the squad to the annual Suffolk invitational meet at Sunken Meadow State Park.
“I look forward to the seventh graders returning next year as eighth graders,” Kozlosky said. “I hope to encourage the incoming seventh graders to join the team as well.”
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