WHS Cross Country fares well against tough competition in second-seven race

By Matt Pascarella

Windham cross country’s regional and state competitions are on the horizon. For both the regional and the state competitions, only seven runners are allowed from each team. The second-seven meet is an opportunity for those that aren’t in the top seven to have one more meet before the end of the season. The second-seven meet, a 5K, was held at Sanford High School on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Windham junior Leana Robbins keeps a solid pace during the
second-seven cross country meet at Sanford High School on
Saturday, Oct. 18. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“They ran excellent today; we were all working on getting out a little bit faster today and trying to maintain that pace,” said Windham boys’ and girls’ cross country coach Paula Pock. “They all executed really well on that. (Half) of the runners got personal records, that’s how you want to finish. One thing they can improve on is using their momentum and their base that they built up and carrying that into next season will be really beneficial.”

Girls

Windham junior Alanna Lewis finished first for Windham and 17th overall with a time of 26:59.74 minutes, a personal record for her by a couple minutes.

“I think I did really well, switching a sport this year was really hard for me,” said Lewis, who used to play soccer. “Switching took a lot of confidence; I’m proud of myself for improving and my teammates have pushed me to do better; they’re confident for me. I started out in the back of the pack but have improved. I’m pretty proud of myself – probably my fullest push to finish.”

Lewis said this is one of the best courses they’ve run on, and their competition was pushing them the whole time, which helped her finish. She had her fastest two-mile she’s done; pushing hard at her last mile is a goal for next year.

Leana Robbins, a junior, finished second for Windham and 19th overall with a time of 27:12.76, also a personal record for her.

Boys

Junior Morgan Willey finished first for Windham and 49th overall with a time of 24:06.29.

Sophomore Liam Moxcey finished second for Windham and 55th overall with a time of 25:13.26.

“I think I did ok, I definitely felt like I could have done better,” said Willey. “I felt like I could have pushed a little harder, but I was definitely more in my comfort zone than pushing myself. I think my form went well. The course was nice; I liked it a lot; this is my first time on it. My competition ... I could keep up with them. I am proud of how I did because I made it all the way through the season without giving up.” <