logo
Cross Country
US National High School Preview Series
Fri, August 23, 2024 at 10:08 AM . Rhode Island
As the fall sports season approaches, anticipation and excitement surround the North Kingstown High School boys' cross-country team. With their eyes set on being one of the top programs in Rhode Island and qualifying for the New England Championship, the team is gearing up for a successful season. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Paul Tetreault about the team's preparations, goals, and expectations for the upcoming season. One of the biggest strengths of this year's team is the talented group of returning players. Coach Tetreault highlighted senior Gavin Shipperley and junior Ben Monaco as players to watch out for. Shipperley and Monaco bring both leadership skills and a strong passion for the sport, making them valuable assets to the team. Their positive attitudes and determination to succeed make them stand out among their peers. In addition to the experienced players, some promising new players are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. Shipperley and Monaco's influence has already been felt, as Coach Tetreault mentioned their passion and leadership skills as being contagious. They can motivate and inspire others, making them valuable additions to the team. As with any team sport, chemistry and camaraderie are vital for success. To achieve this, Coach Tetreault looks for upperclassmen who are not only skilled athletes but also passionate about their team and the sport. These players set the tone for the team and take pride in representing their school on and off the field. By fostering a strong team culture centered around respect and hard work, the team can find success both on and off the field. Through his years of experience, Coach Tetreault understands the importance of motivating players to push themselves to their full potential. He implements a training program that caters to each player's abilities, with the key being to keep the compression gap as small as possible between teammates. This approach allows players to push each other to be better without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. As with any sport, preparation for the season comes with its own set of challenges. For the North Kingstown boys' cross-country team, the biggest challenge has been maintaining a positive mindset. Coach Tetreault emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and encouragement to overcome obstacles and achieve success. When asked if his coaching style differed from previous seasons, Coach Tetreault highlighted the strong competition in Rhode Island.