Lincoln-Sudbury's Boys Cross Country Team Runs for a Repeat

Coming off an undefeated season where it won the league championship, the Lincoln-Sudbury boys cross country team looks to avoid injuries that have slowed them in the past and repeat as champions. 

Injuries seem to be most of their worries these days; the boys have lost only one match in the past six seasons. 

"We have a strong group of freshman and juniors which gives us lots of potential for this year and years to come," said returning junior Matt Barnes. 

With that, Barnes joined his fellow captains in the center of a circle of runners, calling out stretches to his teammates.      

Practices involve a warm-up run followed by stretches.  Afterward, the boys do core work, push-ups and sit-ups. Finally, the team runs, runs and runs, mixing in sprints, distance and time trials.

Jonathan Carbutt, a freshman, is eager to be a part of the team.  While he is new, he is eager to compete against rivals Acton-Boxboro, Westfield Academy and Concord-Carlisle.  When asked about his experiences thus far, he said "It's been good."

Unfortunately, this defending juggernaut lost three of last year's top runners including Alec Barnes.  But hoping to pick up the slack is sophomore Eli Hoenig.  As a freshman, Hoenig was the states No. 1 runner for his grade.  And this year's junior class was rated the best team in New England as freshmen. 

Pat McMahon enters his 38^th year coaching cross country. And he enters it with confidence. "This year, we look good," he said.