With several top runners back, Litchfield High's cross-country teams are looking to be factors in their respective Berkshire League races.

Returning for the boys are BL All-Star Calvin Swomley, Jack Collins, Matt Markelon, Joe Wibhey, Ryan Gannon, Connor Dieck, Luc Lapenta and Maverick Gosselin. The team was 9-1 last year and third in the BL, and will face tough opposition from Shepaug and Nonnewaug in the league race.

New faces for the boys are freshmen Justin Blasavage, Domenic Coco, Donald Curtiss, Liam Fortuner, Logan McDermott, Evan Shortsleeve and Joe Spagnolo.

"I like our chances, as we have 10 runners battling for the seven varsity spots," said coach Brent Hawkins, now in his 18th season. "They have been working diligently towards their goal of being the best in the league. We may not be the most talented team, but we work hard and that could spell the difference."

The girls team is counting on Veronica Birdsall, Marissa Concilio, Sara Peterson, Olivia Hayward, Katelyn Lewis and Sierra Markelon. Newcomers are freshmen Marissa Cosgrove, Chelsea Hayward and Olivia Nordland, junior Julia Tompkins and senior Jessica Blasavage.

"Our girls team will be much-improved as injuries and other health issues took away two of our best runners for most of the season last year," Hawkins said. "They are back and ready to lead the team. I like our chances."

Back to Sports

We encourage our audience to contribute newsworthy material to each of the sections of Litchfield.bz by sending information, articles, photos, videos, pod casts and other content to webmaster@litchfield.bz. We reserve the right to edit material for content.