Fall Sports Preview: Boys' Cross Country Squad a Seasoned Group

While many high school cross country squads consist of athletes from other sports such as basketball or wrestling, who are primarily interested in staying in shape for their primary sport, the Hopatcong Chiefs' boys cross country team is different according to Mark Minervini.

"We're runners," Minervini said. "This is our primary sport."

After a 3-3 finish last season, the Chiefs suffered no losses due to graduation and will look to be a force on the trail this fall.

"We think we will be much stronger than last year," coach Peter Oesen said. "We believe we have a shot at finishing in the top three in our Section."

Oesen also emphasized the importance of keeping everyone healthy and focused since the Chiefs only have nine runners to fill out the seven man varsity squad.

 "We're a small team," Oesen said. "So avoiding in juries is critical. But aside from that, I know what these guys are capable of if no one gets injured. As I've told them, success will work itself out if we stay healthy and focused on the prize."

Seniors Minervini and Joey Prestifilippo, who will return as co-captains, are excited about the team's prospects for the season.

"I think we've got a good team," said Minervini who began running cross country as a freshman.

"We have four guys who run a mile in under five minutes, and two who run it in under four and a half," added Prestifilippo.

While the Chiefs officially started practice on the Aug. 23, Prestifilippo and Minervini said the squad has been training independently all summer long, and showed up to their first practice already in great shape.

"We've been running and training together all summer," Prestifilippo said. "I've grown up with most of these guys, so that helps a lot. When your teammates are also you're good friends, it makes it easier to keep each other committed during the offseason. It's harder to make excuses not to practice."

In addition to the challenges presented by opposing teams, the Chiefs will also have both a new running format, and a move from Group 2 to Group 1 to contend with as they prepare for the season.

"We're new to group I, so we hope that will be an advantage," Oesen said. "But there are also some quality squads in Group 1."

In past seasons, cross country competitions where held as dual meets much like most high school sports. While they will still technically compete as a dual competition, this season's cross country competitions will be set up as "batch" meets, as they will be held in neutral locations and several schools will run simultaneously.

"The new format definitely brings new challenges," Oesen said. "In past seasons you'd get to run the same course multiple times. There will be no home course this year, so we'll be less able to take advantage of the uniqueness of the Sussex County terrain. The course will also be much more crowded. When there is a sea of people running, it can be an additional challenge because there are more people you need to maneuver through."

The Chief's first official meet is Sept. 14.

Roster

Captain Mark Minervini, Sr. 

Captain Joey Prestifilippo, Sr. 

Dylan Capwell, So.

Stephen Duncan, So.

Alex Lehketman, So.

Andre Tan, So.

Brian Berry, Fr.

Ismail Lespier, Fr.

Adam Kiely, Fr.