Announcements
1. Amazing racing in a brutal field in Belfast, Maine! The boys rank 4th in New England and end the season as the #1 NH team after edging Nashua. The girls ran hard to a 5th place finish in a fast block of racers with Lea leading the NH field. Lila was actually in this race and she ran well too with Megan, Millie, Lily, Sarah and Alice.
2. Congratulations to the Girls and Boys runner up performances at the Meet of Champs on an insanely fast day. Holy cow!
3. The HHS boys win their first state championship since 2009 and the girls take second as they posed the biggest threat to Oyster River of any team this year.
2. Congratulations to the Girls and Boys runner up performances at the Meet of Champs on an insanely fast day. Holy cow!
3. The HHS boys win their first state championship since 2009 and the girls take second as they posed the biggest threat to Oyster River of any team this year.
HHS XC Boys and Girls Among New England's BestLea sealed her dominance as the fastest NH girl for the 2023 season. The girls made every effort to overcome a harrowing start to grab a 5th place team finish, 2 spots above last year. Lila, Megan, Millie and Lily notched the places needed to stay in the top-5 mix. Sarah pounded her way in and Alice weather two stumbles to show that young running can be veteran running.
The boys stormed the field and surprised everyone with a 4th place team finish. Only CT teams could get in front of them. Groves and Andrew ran superbly to be an early one-two punch followed quickly by Ryan, Lucian and Will. Noah and Alex zoomed in no much later. This marks the last race for Will, Branchflower, Sarah and Lily. They have been on this XC journey for four year and they have left and indelible mark on its growing legacy. They will be missed (and welcome back any time). lea is the fastest in NHShe will always admit her biggest success only come from those she runs with, but on Saturday she ran to the front and held on for all 17 minutes and 50 seconds to claim the best NH runner title for 2023. Her teammates could not be more proud of her.
Boys and girls finish the NH Season as #2We went into the races with the states expectations upon us. We lived up to them. We kept things tight in a super competitive 3-way race with the girls.
Lea ran herself to the fastest time of her career. She is fueled by those hundreds of girls chasing her. She gets her lead and manages it like a poker player. Megan, Lila, Lily and Millie ran their fastest times of the year. Sarah too. It is bonkers that they are running faster than last year and they land in second place. NH cross country has risen to a super human level. They went in as the likely 2nd place team that would mount a challenge to Nashua. The boys had an awkward start on the far end of the start line, but settled in well by the time they transitioned from the field to the woods. When they found space and could work around runners, they did. They just couldn’t locate enough of the purple jerseys in the sea of speed. Lucian ran his most composed race of the season at just the right time. He ran, as well as Andrew and Ryan, their fastest 5K times to date. Groves and will also throttled up to snip time off their PRs and assure themselves a solid second place team finish. HHS Boys Win States and Girls Grab 2ndOne of the most under reported stories is how great this team is. They have been ranked top 2 nearly all season and the boys rose to the occasion to unseat the #1 ranked bears, CoeBrown. It is hard to pin down a standalone performance; they all did so well for each other and that made all the difference. A 52-second gap is a coach’s dream at important races this late in the season.
The girls were considered an outside chance but they ran with a purpose and rejected the prediction to take a runner up, finishing a measly 4 pts behind them. A lack of other runners up front made it hard to tackle the math. Lea tapped into her magical speed up front, Lila wedged herself between OR number 1 and 2 runners and Megan was tucked in behind the next OR runner. Lily and Millie had the unenviable task of keeping their tempo high in a gap between the peloton and the next wave. SPeeding into 2nd at MansfieldThe boys and girls teams faced stiff competition from Vermont large schools and held their own.
Both the boys and the girls dashed out the start and funneled into the trail. There was some bumping and shoving before the race took shape. On the girls side, Lea took the lead with Lila and Megan in close pursuit. Those three held the front and were followed by Lily and Sarah. There was a lot of shifting between the CVU and HHS girls. Alice and Ari rounded out the top seven just before another batch of Bears (Matilda, mary, and iris). They got the hard racing tuneup they needed before the next race at Manchester next Saturday. For the boys, Andrew had a breakout 2023 race as he challenged the CVU top two boys. He comes away from this race with his fastest time ever on a somewhat damp course. Groves, Will, Alex and Ryan rounded out our top five after battling around the edges to make up some places after a ferocious start. Hourdequin and Noah were right in there with Nandeesh and Isaac to show that HHS still has a lot of fight in them as they head into the State race next weekend. Dresden middle School Rocks NH State MeetBears Strong at CVCsHHS XC COmmunity RaceHHS XC boys and girls took the line against a bunch of brave community members and had a wonderful culminating race to close out their season under golden late day sunlight.
The race was preceded by a middle school race that showed the promise of future HHS XC runners. Bears Hold 2nd place NH rankingsIt was a really rainy day and made for some super challenging running. Both boys and girls made the most of the course and chased down as many as they could.
We look forward to racing many of those teams again at the Meet of Champs in November. Lea and Lucian did what they always do—run fast up front and rarely give an inch. Lila and Megan settled into their usual spots too and mingled with the Oyster River top 5. Ryan ran well and the rest of his squad were tucked in not too far behind. Considering the rain that fell, times were fast. The boys were able to overcome NH #1 Nashua, but were surprised by the up-and-coming CoeBrown boys. HHS Boys and Girls Sweep At the Cofrin ClassicIt was a hot day, but we shared it with good company as we met up with Concord, Winnacunnett, Bedford, and Spaulding for a midweek race.
Hard, Valuable running at CBNA BlackBearHHS Power shown at ManVitesToday's race was one for the record books, quite literally.
Lucian Gleiser won the race and now ranks as the 2nd fastest HHS boy of all time on the list behind only Aaron Watanabe. Lea Perreard also ran into the record books by running an 18:10 and landing a second place all-time HHS ranking of 2nd behind only Georgia Griffin. Both squads proved ready for the challenge today. The varsity boys got a great start and settled in up front to secure the places they needed for the win. They did not fade during any of the three main phases of the race. It was confident, bold running at its best. Andrew Valentino and Will Parker also climbed the all-time list with amazing, light racing. The girls got a good start to avoid being swallowed by a huge field of really talented racers. They got three racers up front (who all make the all-time HHS XC record list as well) to make the Oyster River girls nervous. This is a team no one will sleep on and we are happy to have great competition. Running Fast with Div 1 at NashuaThe day began with a statement performance by the girls JV team by snagging the top seven places. The boys JV had a strong showing with an amazing effort by Oliver Greenway.
Those two races rattled the nerves of the varsity squad at their first official race. The girls did not launch off the line even with Lea tempting them to as she took a commanding lead. Lea held the lead while her teammates whittled through the field to make the math work in their favor over Division 1 powerhouses Pinkerton and Bedford. Everyone ran their fastest times of the season and most all ran all-time personal records. The boys has an absolute grind of a race. The start was ferocious and they settled in among some hard racing with a number of all-time bests by nearly everyone. It was as if they were shot from a cannon. There was some shifting and a few younger runners surprised. The vets did what they always do: they ran a gutsy race and did not yield. They too had an avalanche of fast time and, like the girls, most were all-time personal bests. Norwich Labor Day Fun RunIt was an overcast morning, but that would not keep the nearly 140 enthusiastic young runners from tearing through the streets of Norwich.
It was a great spirited 2.2 race for so many runners and the seasoned, veteran runners ventured out past the Norwich Creamery and zoomed back into town to the applause of many. Two-Mile Trial in the BooksA soggy morning did not prevent a great group of neighboring teams from showcasing their summer training. They all zoomed around recent trail work and some water logged fields confidently.
It bodes well for the season ahead and HHS XC wishes all of those teams who joined us a injury-free, speedy season. Lea and Lucian took charge of their respective races, but their teammates were not far behind as they mingled with so many strong runners from other teams. Find the official results on the Results 2023 page. Patriotic RunningA handful of HHS XC runners and alumni laced up and showed up at the Lebanon Red, White, and Blue 5 and 10Ks.
Skip's RUN in LebanonHHS XC past, present and family got their run on in Lebanon for an annual 4-miler. It was a great chance to mingle and sweat with the larger Upper Valley running community.
www.iresultslive.com/?op=summary&eid=5661 HHS XC Girls land at 7th in New EnglandLauren finished with the 5th place spot and her fastest time of the year to round out the top five. Maria again raced hard to pick up the team's 4th spot. What a way for two great seniors to cap off a great year!
Lea led the teams charge with Lila and Matilda navigating their way through a strong flow of runners in the woods. Megan and Sarah also powered through the wooded section to make up spots that got away from them on an absolutely brutal start. What great racing by a great group! They left an indelible mark on the program and should be proud. HHS XC GIrls End the season on top, #1The HHS Girls end the NH XC season on a high note by putting 40 points between them and the best XC racers from all divisions.
They did not get the best start in the grassy field, but that yielding youth gave way to the composure they’ve raced with all season. Once they entered the woods, they found themselves. Lea in her trademark sunglasses tacked onto the first pack and hung on. Lila and Maria worked well side by side for a while with Matilda and Megan not far behind. They all passed one after another and made the math easy. Lauren and Sarah pushed up and down the hills to nab the last of the 5th runners from other teams as insurance. The girls will race once again at the New England Championship in Rhode Island next weekend. They are a fitting team to represent NH and will do so with gusto. It is a team fueled by fun and to drive the point home they won the bet with the coaches. By beating the favored team Pinkerton, the coaches must now dye their hair pink. The boys take seventh after being considered the pre-race 10th-best team. It was a tough start for them too. Alex got knocked down and his brother had to bound over him. He is lucky he did not get spiked by other runners. Lucian went out strong and held on until he worked with Ryan in the last 800 meters. They came in right together. Mack shared his birthday race with Will as the two of them ran a really great 3rd mile. Alex rebounded to grab our fifth spot of the day with Ben and Andrew in quick chase. Girls win states for first time in 13 years, boys take 4thIt was an amazing day.
The girls owned the course and held their positions from the start. There were some challenges by other teams, but they set the bar too high. Lea mingled with the top racers and has made that her routine since her first race of the season. Maria had a breakout day at the start and, in tandem with Matilda, fought off any other racers. Lila and Megan didn’t leave much daylight between them and their teammates to just flooded the first 20 racers with white uniforms. The boys team had their work cut out for them against two formidable teams: CoeBrown and Souhegan. The HHS boys did their best to sink into that first 1/4 of the field, but it was just saturated with red and gold jerseys. The math was near-impossible. Mack had perhaps his best race of the season and with Will and Ryan just nearby, dropped some early numbers. Ben, Alex and Andrew also packed together to keep the total low. Safir ran solidly and held his own for the first two miles. Beautiful vistas and Running at MansfieldThe girls put together a strong, restrained performance against the top tier VT teams. Lea held back for a mile and then checked in with her normal race pace to pick apart the ranks of the front runners. Lila found her home in the next wave of runners. Megan had a spark in her stride and worked in some open space between groupings. And Sarah, Maria and Matilda were reliably tucked in the next batch to secure a solid performance.
The boys had a good showing with some runners on the mend and resting while a few others returned from some recent recovery. Ryan was off the line fast and raced up front comfortably. Mack, Safir, Alex and Ben and Andrew were packed in tight and switched who led the pack repeatedly. Nathaniel and Will H got in that well-deserved final race. Boys and girls splash into top team spots at KeeneHHs confident at Hartford RaceIt was a cool afternoon to run with some of our VT neighbors. They were great hosts at Hartford and there was a festival feel. The HHS runners zoomed on the flats and took the hills safely to show that they are ready for a few more races ahead.
Results can be found on the Results tab. HHS Battles at the Border with many NH D1 teamsIt was a near-perfect, clear day and some of the strongest NH teams came to race hard. Girls and boys squads went toe-to-toe with the D1 teams and a number of racers again earned PRs.
Thanks too to all of the parents (and grandparents) who made the trip! Results can be found on the Results Tab. And some more photos (thanks to Teal) can be found on the Photos tab. Girls and Boys go full-Moto at Coe BrownIt was not a sunny day, but the teams ran confidently and put NH on notice that Hanover is ready to challenge all comers. Each race was lead by runners in our new white tops and they packed themselves in such a way that other teams' coaches expressed unease.
The Varsity and JV girls nabbed second place team honors behind Phillips Exeter. The Varsity boys chased Phillips Exeter, BG, and CoeBrown to take 4th. JV boys ran to a 3rd place team finish. There were over 20 all-time personal 5K records and it just shows that we still have room to grow as we work into October. Magic numberS: 5 and 6Boys and girls ran squads with a new look. Many younger runners got starts while teammates recover from illness. And they are sporting the new singlets!
Girls Varsity took fifth place in the varsity race with Lea nabbing 5th place overall as the fastest 9th grade of the day. Sarah and Maria followed suit with notable PRs and confident running. Boys varsity team took 6th overall with Lucian leading us. He notched a 7th place individually and Safir and Ben finished with breakout sub-19 races. We are also celebrating the first races for Seiji, Andrew, Nora, Ayla, and George. Results for all of the day's races can be found under the Results tab. Creature comfortsIt was comfortable running at home and challenging the local talent. Although math teacher Mr. Freeman came with his A game, everyone else took on the course with the intention to master different phases of the Storrs Pond trail.
With a great parent showing, there were smiles and snacks and tales of great running. And the weather could not be more perfect. So much more to look forward to... Varsity and JV show upThe Hanover squad headed north to bask in the sun and run the beautiful Great Glen trails at the base of Mt Washington. The racing was also breathtaking.
The JV girls ran a perfect race with a score of 15 points by taking the first five places led by Mary Westrich. She was followed by a tight pack. The JV boys started inspired by the girls race and ran with the grit that got the job done. They also took first place led by Lucian and Nandeesh. The varsity girls faced a tougher field than last week and were sore from some hard training days, but they shouldered up to the toughest runners on-course and did not relent. Lea Perreard traded the lead with a Plymouth runner before throttling up at the finish. She ran with the determination of Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2. Maria and Lila with Sarah and Matilda in close chase was a tight enough pack to seal the deal. The varsity boys were unsure of what competition would show up, but D1 schools Pinkerton and Keene showed up with engines roaring and the boys hung on admirably. Mack settled into the top four as expected. Will, Ryan, and Alex ran with experience to round out the top four under 19 minutes. And Safir and Ben had their first big invitational experience, in just over 19 minutes. Both Squads Victorious at MVHSIt was a brutally hot day that we finished with a trip for some ice cream, but not before both teams dominating with absolute control and confidence as they negotiated the fields and woods of the MVRS campus.
Lea, Sarah and Maria lead a strong group of six in the top-ten of their race. Lucian, Mack and Will were the front runners of the top seven that HHS squeezed into the top ten of their race. Two-Mile Trial WowsIt was a first look at unrestrained running from both squads racing together. Some confident, speedy running took the coaches' breath away (and they weren't racing).
It shows that the summer training, a good positive mindset, and a hunger for achievement are all in place as we head into what looks to be a season of surprises for NHXC. Rolling through Leb for some donutsA 6.5-mile run from Mascoma Lake to Muriel's Donuts in Lebanon is a sweet tradition and the weather cooperated this year and we could enjoy the run, the treats and some good company under a sunny morning.
In progress: New Uniforms!HHS ALum Jeff Colt Places 11th at Western States 100We always hope that the start at HHS leads to running for a lifetime. Now professional runner, Jeff is the epitome of that--his recent 11th place finish at the Western States 100 is proof positive that distance running can take you places.
Check out the results: www.ultralive.net/ws100#tracking/overview Skip's run NotableA cool, beautiful Father's Day brought out HHS XC alumni, current and future runners alike to show their stuff on the 4-mile rail trail course in Lebanon.
Scan the results to find a name or two you might recognize: www.lightboxreg.com/iresultslive/?op=overall&eid=5284 a great track SPringMack, Sarah, Ella and Charlotte found a new gear on the track this Spring with Coach Dorcas.
Mack went sub-2 min in the 800 as he chased after teammate Pierce Seigne. Boys advance to NEW England Championship!For the first time since 2009, the HHS boys send a squad to the New England Championship. A valiant, determined race by all boys earned them a birth after an amazing MOCs race.
Sarah Glueck finishes up with a 'soaring' top-50 finish. Boys and girls race hard aT NH statesSarah qualifies as an individual to continue on to the Meet of Champs as she led the qirls' squad. Charlotte and Ella put in a great effort as they end their career on the most memorable NH XC course.
Spencer and Luke had their group ready to challenge the top four Division 2 teams and came out of the race with a 3rd place team finish behind only CoeBrown and Windham. They face those same competitor as they qualify to run as a team in Nashua next Saturday. HHS COmmunity Race ResulTs
HHS XC Pays it forwardWith some leftover money from our t-shirt order, the team invested in the future of Upper Valley running.
Boys charge on to take fifth place as a team and the girls grind it out to take 10th overall at a really competitive race.
Running after HHS XC?Check out these resources as you consider taking your running experience to the collegiate level.
play.mynaia.org/ www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future CoachesEric Picconi
([email protected]) Dorcas DenHartog ([email protected]) Assistant Coaches: Kari Gleiser, Jim Eakin, Cole Harris 2023 CaptainsTBD
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DonatePlease consider making a contribution to the current program. Checks in any amount can made out to "Friends of Hanover Cross Country" and sent to:
Friends of HHS Cross Country c/o HHS Athletic Department Hanover High School 41 Lebanon Street Hanover, NH 03755 The funds helps us buy spirit gear and subsidize team travel beyond what the school provides. NHXC WebsiteLearn about NH XC culture, dig into results, and scope out the competition.
https://nh.staterunning.net/ NH XC Results ArchiveThe future is built on the past. Dig into the NH XC archive to review results.
lancertiming.com/results.htm NHIAA XC RulesThe coaches will review NHIAA rules as they do every year, but it does not hurt to be totally informed:
https://www.nhiaa.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/2023-24%20Cross%20Country%20P%26P%201.pdf https://www.nhiaa.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/20HB%2023-24%20XVIII%20Cross%20Country(1).pdf Be Inspired |