The ESA cross country team participated in its first meet of the season Monday September 23 at Stan Wadlow Park. It was a huge meet with over 30 schools participating and we saw some really great results. Out of ESA’s 18 runners, 11 ran their first ever high school meet! In spite of the lack of experience, we showed great heart and determination. The first time runners were Julia Jairath, Paige Kobe, Christian Filan, Cabot Fox, Deanne Balas, Sophie Henke Tarnow, Jade O’Hara, Sophia Goulart, Joe Train, Simon Pella, who all ran like mad all the way and learned how torturous cross country truly is. The other 2 first time runners, Anthony Louch and Matias Bessai ran extraordinary races and finished 27th and 23rd in a brutally hard grade 9 boys race. Paige Court showed her natural talent by placing very respectably in a boys and girls split race. The more experienced runners, Ian Hogeboom-Burr, Jake LeBlanc, Joel Purvis, Alana Park and Olena Leshchyshen ran smart races as well (Ian through a knee injury). The standout performance of the day was Santi Bessai who placed an astounding 5th in the junior/senior boys race. Santi trains through the U of T track club and we can expect big things from this young man over the next month.
The next meet is Monday September 30 back at Stan Wadlow again. Great start to the season, ESA!