Runner’s to Watch: Natick’s John Bianchi
The number two returner from the Meet of Champions Division One race will be looking for an individual title as well as a team title this fall. John Bianchi was eighth last year and has the third fastest time, 15:59, of all returning runners. He will look to lead our number two ranked Natick squad to the team title after finishing fifth last season.
Runners To Watch: Oxford’s Cameron Davis
From the time she was an eighth-grader finishing seventh at the Meet of Champions, Cameron Davis has stood out as one of Division 3’s finest. As a sophomore last year, the consistently strong Davis earned her well-deserved reward with her first individual MOC title, breaking the tape in 18:20.5 — a comfortable 35-second margin over […]
Runners to Watch: Westford Academy’s Abigail Hennessy
Despite missing most of the 2024 Cross-Country season, all eyes will be on Abigail Hennessy of Westford Academy this fall. After a historic 2025 track season that saw a new state record in the mile, Hennessy will look to leave her mark on the Cross-Country course as well.
Runners to Watch: Falmouth’s Silas Gartner
The fastest returner overall from last year’s Meet of Champions is Silas Gartner. He won the Division 2 race by ten seconds finishing in 15:42. He also won every race he entered except for three, and two of those were regional and national meets.
Runners To Watch: Whitinsville Christian’s Emily Flagg
While she’s enjoyed success on the track, there’s no doubt that Emily Flagg’s forte is cross country. Over the past two years, the Whitinsville Christian junior has established herself as one of the state’s best on the trails, particularly in Division 2. Last fall, Flagg defended her crown at the Division 2C Championships and then […]
Runners To Watch: Greg McGrath, Boston College High
Over the last few years, Boston College High’s Greg McGrath has consistently ranked among the state’s best distance runners. While he’s come close — particularly last year — the one thing that has eluded the Eagles senior is an individual title at the Meet of Champions (MOC). That could change this fall. McGrath enters the […]
Runners To Watch: Needham’s Greta Hammer
Over the past few weeks, our cross-country previews have focused on the top teams to watch. With the competitive season kicking off Sept. 6, we’re turning the spotlight to some of the state’s best returning runners. This fall features five returning champions from last year’s Meet of Champions — setting up what promises to be […]
Preseason Boys #1: Concord-Carlisle
Concord-Carlisle returns their top eight runners from last season making them arguably the deepest team in the state. On paper they have a 1-5 spread from 16:08-16:23. Compared to some of the previous teams we’ve highlighted, those times may not jump off the page. However, if you dig into the results, you see a team built to win from top to bottom.
Preseason Girls #1: Lexington
Lexington tops our list as they bring back their top seven after fishing runner up at the Meet of Champions and winning the Middlesex League Meet. After finishing runner up to Needham at the Divisional race, you could argue their second place at the Meet of Champions was a surprise. There will be no surprises this year.
Preseason Boys #2: Natick
The fact that Natick isn’t in our number one spot goes to show how tough it will be to be at the top this season. Most years their top four runners would be unbeatable. Up front they have top contender John Bianchi, who was 8th at the Meet of Champions and boasts a 4:11 mile PR. Bianchi will have his sights set on both the individual title as well as the team.