The small but mighty and fast-growing Father Capodanno High School started its seventh varsity sport this year — cross country (XC). The Grunt runners closed out their first XC season with a fifth meet and claimed the top male and female prizes at the local Invitational hosted by Saint John Paul II Catholic School.
“We took an important step this season by adding cross country to our athletics department, and this meet, especially hosted by SJPII, was a perfect way to end our first season,” said Athletic Director Andy Attar.
Two Grunt runners took first prizes in the male and female high school categories. Canon Capps led the boys’ field from start to finish, as did Salem Capps for the girls over the five-kilometer race.
“Athletics is a critical extension to our learning environment. The character and resiliency of these runners, with three being dual sport athletes and scholars in great standing, proved respectable while starting a cross country team at Capodanno,” noted Head Coach Joshe Raetz. The remaining Grunt runners shaved significant time off their runs, and each recorded personal records for the season.
Grunt Evan Wild, who achieved personal goals, including a personal best this meet, stated, “I’m glad I decided to run cross country. This team made a difference for me as a freshman starting high school.”
This sentiment rang true throughout the team and demonstrated the value of community at Capodanno High.
Contributed/Courtesy photo.
