Captain's Corner: Cross Country | Avon Old Farms News | About Us | Avon Old Farms

The cross country team is faster than it's ever been, and our runners have their aspirations aimed at a Founders League championship. We sat down with senior Teddy Hoffman '27 to find out how the season has gone so far. 

How many years have you been on the cross country team? 

“This is my fourth year at Avon and third year on the cross country team. I played soccer my freshman year and was originally planning on sticking with it, but then when I participated in the APK 5k we do on Veterans Day, one of the cross country captains told me I should switch because I had potential.”

What did preseason entail?

“Thanks to the help of Mr. Archambault and some other alumni, a group of returning runners got to take a trip out to Colorado for preseason. We were out in the Boulder area for five days running twice a day. There were definitely a lot more hills than I'm used to. We were all dealing with the altitude in different ways. We did at least eight miles at over 10,000 feet of elevation. I would love to do that again, but sadly it's my last year. I think they are planning to do it again next year.”

What does your role as a leader on the team entail?

“It definitely forces you to have a different perspective. You have to lead from the front. Even if I'm not the fastest runner on the team, my effort and focus always have to be high. I also have a responsibility to keep guys motivated even when they might not want to run that day.”

What do you think makes a good leader?

“The motivational qualities are huge—being able to lift guys up when they're down. Also, knowing when to be serious. There can be some wiggle room on that, but as a leader you need to know when it's time to focus.” 

How has the season gone so far?

“We've definitely improved in times. I remember my first year I cracked the 20 min mark and that placed me in the top seven runners on our team. Now, we have at least 12 guys that can run faster than that. We have four meets done so far, and are working hard to make sure we peak at the right time."

Do you have any goals for this season?

“My personal goal is to get into the 15-minute time range, which will be tough. The goal for the team is to win Founders. That has been the goal all three years I've been here and probably for longer. Right now, we're pretty comfortably in the number two or three spot. Loomis has always been the team to beat, but we're becomming real tough competition for them.”

What has been the highlight of your cross country experience at Avon?

“During winter training last year, coach told us we could run whatever route we wanted that day as long as it was six miles. We had the genius idea to run to Whole Foods even though it had just snowed the day before. We ran the whole way there over snow and mostly ice. That memory definitely stands out for me.”

The cross country team's next home meet is this Saturday, Oct. 17, at 2:30 p.m. against Williston Northampton School. A full season schedule and livestream information are available on the athletics section of our school website. 

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