On October 23, 2025, the Cross Country team, coached by Mr. Zucconi and Ms. Vander Eyken, participated in the ROPSAA event at Heart Lake Conservation Area. The athletes successfully finished their designated races for a second time with improved times and high-flying confidence. And though it rained, they enjoyed the company of one another for the final time of the season.
At 9:50 am, the novice boys and juniors headed to the venue for the first race, which began at 12:30 pm for the novice boys. During the morning, they walked around the track and then supported the Grade 9 boys, who all successfully completed four kilometres. Milan Patel came in 17th place with a gun time of 16:42 and was shortly followed by Matthias Brookes. In a post-race interview, Milan said, “This race was much less overwhelming because of the small number of competitors, despite the bone-chilling conditions out on track.” He added, “When I run, I think about the surrounding environment like the autumn colours and falling leaves, while breathing in a song-like rhythm to calm my nerves.”
The second race the team participated in was the junior girls’ race, which started at exactly 1:00 pm. Zoya Raza was the only junior girl who took part in this race. Her gun time was 35:04 to complete five kilometres. She said, “During the race I thought about finishing the season strong and the fun that I had throughout.” Shortly after, the junior boys started their five-kilometre race. There were eight grade 10 boys who participated in this division. Akshat Chopra came first in this division and finished 23rd overall with a gun time of 20:28, followed by Kasra Cyrous-Roberts with a time of 21:02. When interviewed, Akshat said that, “I thought of my close friends to help me get through the long race.”
The Grade 11s and 12s, who participated in the senior races, arrived at 11:30 am, determined to do well in the final race of the year. The first senior race was a six-kilometre race. Mercy Anthony, a Grade 12 student, completed the race first in 60th place with a gun time of 32:18 and was closely tailed by Aima Qamar, whose time was 35:08. Mercy was asked how she felt after the race, and she replied, “Although I’m tired after the race, I feel proud and happy that I’ve accomplished running the full distance and can finally rest.” The senior boys’ race was led by Nathan Bernard, who placed 66th with a gun time of 25:58, followed by Abilash Subashtharan with a time of 26:12.
Mr. Zucconi said, “Overall, everybody improved if we look at their time scores, though more importantly, everybody learned a little more about themselves.” The XC season concluded with amazing team improvement and teamwork. Hopefully, next year will be just as great.
THE NORTH STAR 