The Whitman Cross Country team is off to a fast start, both literally and figuratively. The team is undefeated, and a win against Sachem North on Tuesday, October 20 would secure the team’s second straight league title. The team has lost multiple senior runners such as Josh Roiland and Chad Maier, and many saw this year as one for rebuilding.

However, Whitman has gotten production out of their younger runners such as Zach Lella, Sean and Aidan Smyth, and Jack Wrobel. When asked why the team was experiencing so much success, Jack Wrobel stated, “Coach has really put us in a winning state of mind. Every practice, he discusses strategy and how we will find ways to have success. His positivity has rubbed off on all of us and has really helped this team.”

Another reason for the team’s success has been the leadership of their captains. Juniors Joe Mendoza and Mike Giarrizzo and senior Victor Chae have led their team to comfortable wins against Lindenhurst, Northport, Connetquot and Bayshore. Go watch Whitman XC compete for their second straight league title next Tuesday at Sunken Meadow Park.