Xaverian Cross Country Squad Achieves Catholic Conference Title

Editor's Note: Due to a reporting error, the original headline of this article indicated that the Hawks had won a state title, when it was actually a Catholic Conference title. 

It's been another strong year for 's varsity cross country team.

The Hawks recently achieved yet another Catholic Conference title, the sixth the squad has pulled in during the last seven years. 

"Our goal for the year was to win the league," said the team's head coach, Chris Heaton. "We wanted to make it six of the last seven years. It's a tough league, because of the quality of hte teams."

But the team was able to beat St. John's Prep 27-30 on Sept. 27, a notable victory, followed by another strong win against BC High, 28-29 on Oct. 18.

"I was very proud of the way we raced against St. John's Prep at their course, and how we came back to win in the last mile against BC High," Heaton said. "Those victories helped the team realize that with a solid team effort, we can do pretty well."

The team is currently sharpening its skills for the EMASS Div. 1 State Meet, which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Franklin Park in Boston.  

If things fall into place, Heaton said, the team has a shot at placeing in the Top 5, and qualiftying as a team for the All-State Cross Country Championship on Nov. 19, also at Franklin Park.

Heaton noted seniors Bobby Leon, Eric, Zandrow, Chris Schwab, Colin Tonelli (who Heaton said has been injured through much of the season, though started the season as the team's top runner), as well as juniors Rob Marcantonio, Tim Keohane and James McDermott.

Said Heaton, "While we've had some great individual runners in the past few years with state champions Mark Amirault (2005-06) and John Bleday (2009) from Westwood, that doesn't guarantee the team victories or league titles, as five to seven guys are needed to score in meets. We just bumped up a freshman, Lucas Taxter, to varsity, and he's made a big impact and was third for us in the victory against BC High." 

On average, the team comprises about 60 runners in a given year, said Heaton, who is supported by Jr. Varsity Coach Steve Steinbergher, a guidance counselor at Xaverian, and freshman coach Dave Palmieri, also a teacher at the school. All three also coach indoor and outdoor track, as well.