(Chelsea Update would like to thank coach Eric Swager for the information in this story.)
The 2023 Chelsea Boys Cross County team heads to team camp this week to begin the fall campaign.
This year’s team boasts a young, but solid group of runners, roughly 20 strong.
The summer running program has once again been successful, with an average of 15-20 hearty souls waking up for daily 7:30 a.m. workouts.
“We hope to continue a long tradition of excellence,” said coach Eric Swager.
In 2022, he said, the team qualified for the state finals for the 21st consecutive year—the 5th longest active streak in the state, any division including both boys and girls teams.
“Our past 6 seasons have been especially notable, finishing 1st, 1st, 4th, 4th, 2nd, and 2nd in the state over that period,” Swager said. “Our competitive goal for this year (once again) is to earn another trip to that prestigious meet and keep the string alive. We have our work cut out for us.”
Swager will enter his 29th year as head coach. Both Loren Thorburn and Mike Holik will take on a larger role this fall as team administrators.
And, as always, we are bolstered by the best group of parents in town.
Individually, we are led by defending State Champion and School Record Holder Connell Alford-a senior this fall. “This amazing young man finished 14th in the country at the Champs national meet in San Diego last fall, and recently did a 5k tune up on the track in 14:53. He is primed and ready to once again set the standard. “
Other seniors include Jackie Dell – one of our scorers from last year and Mo Cugliari – who hopes to contribute to the varsity squad. Luis Solarzano and Thien Nguyen round out the senior class.
Junior Leo Swager has been averaging over 70 miles per week training this summer, and looks poised to be an all-Region performer. Other Juniors include Eric Cameron, Sam Woodard, Davion Garrison, Brant Maley, and Nate Krzysik.
The success of this squad will largely be determined by our talented sophomore group. Beckett Boos and Karl Swager both saw some varsity experience last year, while Linus Helzerman, Miles Dell, and Alex Martin made big improvements this spring during track. Mason Maley is now healthy and hoping to join that pack as the season progresses.
The freshmen squad also is promising. Wyeth Angus hopes to throw a scare into his older teammates, while Leo Alafita, Sam Clifton, Dylan Hodges, Cole Voight, and Jack Meehan will undoubtedly improve.
“As the years go on, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to work with each of these athletes in a supportive setting. I hope to treasure whatever time I have left with them, and revel in their improvement as athletes and young men.”
Please come out and watch us compete. Your first chance will be Monday morning, Aug. 21 at Robin Hills Farm at 8:30 a.m.
Come grab a coffee and cheer us on.
