Raiders Look to Returning Runners to Lead Cross Country teams

Both Wellesley cross country teams have a core group of veterans poised to lead their teams to successful seasons.

There isn't much room for improvement on the girls' side, as they went 10-1, finished second at the conference meet, won the EMass meet, and came in fifth at the All-State meet but expectations remain high with most of the team returning this season.

"It's a great team that lost only one great runner to graduation, so everybody else returns," said Wellesley cross country coach Lou Pearlman.

All star captains senior Jessie Kaliski and junior Priyanka Fouda, senior captain Eva Lauer and senior Brennan Mullin provide a very talented and experience group of leaders for the team.

Also returning are Eve Roth, Rachel Wang, Nina Sevilla, Soojin Kim, Bo Julie Crowley and Katcha Quefurth.

"This is one terrific team and if all goes well, this girls' team has a great chance of being the best in the state," said Pearlman. "There are several star runners on this team and tremendous depth as well."

As if that roster wasn't enough to create a high level of anticipation for this season, the Raiders also have some promising new runners.

"We have an outstanding newcomer junior Sarah Carrigan and a freshman Katy Pederson," said Pearlman.

The anticipation and goals for the girls' team are set very high.

"This is one great group of girls, maybe the best ever here and it should be an exciting season," said Pearlman. "Hopefully we win every meet, that is their goal and I am looking forward to helping them in every way possible."

The Wellesley boys' team is coming off a tough 6-5 season that saw them narrowly miss qualifying for the All-State meet, but they feature a mix of experience and new talent that has them poised to improve that result.

"Last year was filled with injuries and illness, something we must avoid this year," said Pearlman. "The main goal is getting the team to qualify for the All State Meet."

The boys' roster isn't as deep as the girls', but it is talented and experienced with all star captains Peter Krieg and John Williamson and senior captains Andrew Griswold and Kevin Bu leading the way.

 "Andrew Griswold and Kevin Bu should help in a big way," said Pearlman.

Another big factor for the boys' team will be the contributions from the new additions to the team.

"One outstanding newcomer is junior James Eisenstein, a star track performer last spring," said Pearlman. "James is a huge addition to a team that lost three great varsity runners to graduation. Other potential runners that may help are Chris Liu and Jack Kelly."

The Raiders' first meet is Tuesday against Milton and Brookline, and for the girls Milton will be an important meet.

"Milton is the only team that beat the girls last year, twice, and it looks to be different this year, I believe," said Pearlman.

Both Wellesley teams will be aiming to improve on last season and certainly appear to have the tools to do so.

"Overall this is a huge team with about 85-90 runners in all and this should be another great year for Wellesley cross country," said Pearlman.