The Carroll Lynx cross country team ended their 2023 season recently, running in five meets with up to four runners.

"We had a small, but dedicated team this fall," noted Coach Justin Metzger. "The benefit of a small group is that each athlete receives ample one-on-one coaching but the downside is that with less than five athletes, although we can compete at the varsity level, we aren't able to score as a team."

Metzger and Coach Amanda Milewski agree that a top priority moving forward is an increase in participants for cross country, hoping they can appeal to a broader audience. "Our program has the flexibility to adapt to each athlete's needs—if you want to participate to stay physically fit and make new friends or if you want to use the program as a stepping stone to competition at a four-year college, Carroll cross country is a great option," explained Coach Amanda Milewski.

Despite small numbers, the group trained with purpose, steadily improving as the season progressed. All but one runner hit their season best time in the second to last meet, a testament to the group's growth.  "Our athletes had very high work ethics and approached each practice as a chance to improve their strength, fitness, running form and conditioning. Each race was an opportunity to set a new personal best time, try out a different racing strategy or push the limits of what they could achieve" noted Metzger.

Personal bests on the season for each runner can be found below

Theo Beyer – 31:10 (Gettysburg)

Cole Gladden – 39:32 (Gettysburg)

Fran McGovern – 33:16 (Lebanon Valley)

The leadership of the team will be greatly missed, as Theo Beyer and Cole Gladden are concluding their final seasons. Coach Milewski commented on their contribution to the program, stating "We know that the work they did as team members will benefit future generations of Lynx cross country athletes."

Being tied for the longest tenured sport at Carroll, cross country should be in a good position to boom in the fall of 2024.