2022 CHS Girls & Boys Cross Country Teams Season Kickoff 9-8-22.

CHS GIRLS & BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS SET TO KICK OFF THEIR FALL 2022 SEASON ON SEPTEMBER 8TH AT WHARTON BROOK STATE PARK IN NORTH HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.
ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY FRANK LOGIUDICE

The Cheshire High School Girls & Boys Cross Country Teams are ready, they are all set & they are roaring to go for the kickoff of their 2022 Fall Season. The first meet is slated for Thursday, September 8th at Wharton Brook State Park in North Haven beginning at 3:45 p.m. Head Girls Coach Rob Schaefer & Head Boys Coach Pam Gunneson are returning to coach both teams. Seniors Samantha Mudry, Megan Rossi & Alexandra Palladino are the Captains for the girls' team. Seniors Michael DeJoseph, Colin Grevelding & Clyde D'Souza are the Captains for the boys' team & their coach believes "...will do an excellent job leading the team."

Both teams began their practices on August 25th & both coaches are preparing them for their season meets. Coach Gunneson said "There are usually 3 workouts of different levels each day at the beginning of the season & we progress down to 2 as the season progresses." Schaefer stated, "My job is to get them moving so that in seven weeks or so from now, they are in the best shape they have ever been. We run a variety of practices that include speed work, distance work, interval work, hill work, and even more distance work." The girls' team has 27 athletes and according to Schaefer "I have a great group of freshmen that have signed up this year. Lots of potential." The boys' team has 33 athletes.

Both coaches are hoping for the best for their teams this season. Schaefer stated, "As always, a good season includes a winning record, a strong showing at invitationals and in the SCC, and running well enough to qualify for the State Open." Gunneson commented, "Our team is a positive group of kids that enjoys running & works hard to improve throughout the season. Our goal each year is to be one of the top varsity programs in the state. We have many strong returners to the team and should have another successful season."

If the CHS Girls team wins on September 8th in North Haven against their 3 competitors North Haven, Lauraton Hall & Foran both from Milford Coach Schaefer will reach a milestone: his 300th win. Schaefer stated, “I will probably reach my 300th win at the first meet. My record so far is 299-39.” He has been coaching for 34 years.