Middle Township High School Cross Country Season Preview

With a returning full squad, an emphasis on summer training, and a unique beach-based home course, Middle Township Girls Cross Country is poised for an exciting and competitive season. Offseason Focus: Multi-Sport Training & Strength Development Track and Field integration: Athletes are encouraged to train year-round by competing in spring track and training with the distance group. Cross-training with swimming: Without a winter track program, cross country runners are encouraged to join the swim team for low-impact endurance training. Weight training expansion: Increasing weight room work for distance runners to build strength without excess fatigue. Independent summer training: Athletes receive structured training plans for July to maintain fitness and be prepared for the season. Special Offseason Events: Team Bonding & Beach Training Summer beach training in Avalon—a challenging but highly effective endurance workout. Preseason team breakfast: A tradition that helps freshmen and transfers feel welcome and bond with teammates before the season. Potential summer Holmdel Park practice—giving athletes experience on the state championship course. Roster Changes: Stability & Growth No seniors graduated last year, so the entire team returns. No coaching changes or major roster shifts, allowing for continuity in training and strategy. Players to Watch: Breakout Potential & Returning Leaders Olivia Orton (Senior): Had a remarkable junior season, improving by two minutes from sophomore year and performing well at Holmdel Park. Training with the Stone Harbor Beach Patrol last summer boosted her fitness, and expectations are high for another standout year. Eden Geisel (Junior): Showed significant progress last season after overcoming freshman-year injuries. Ciara Jonassaint (Junior): A relative newcomer to the sport but already proving passionate and dedicated—big improvements expected. Training Approach: Sand Running & Strava Accountability Avalon beach workouts: Physically demanding but highly effective for building endurance and strength. Structured summer training plans: More frequent in-person practices in July to keep athletes motivated. Strava tracking: Athletes log runs for accountability and progress monitoring. Team culture reset: Focus on commitment and accountability, ensuring only dedicated athletes remain on the roster. Nutrition Guidance: Balance & Awareness No strict food restrictions, but athletes are encouraged to fuel properly for training and racing. Coach’s hands-on approach: Being a guidance counselor allows for regular check-ins with athletes to ensure they’re eating enough for their activity levels. Promoting body positivity: Reinforcing that elite runners come in all shapes and sizes—talent comes from hard work, determination, and injury prevention. Coaching Adjustments: Strengthening Team Buy-In Increased summer team practices to improve motivation and engagement. Stronger emphasis on team commitment: Ensuring all athletes respect the program’s time and effort requirements. More race-specific training strategies leading into the season. Fan Engagement & Community Presence Instagram page for cross country and track keeps fans and potential athletes engaged year-round. Balancing promotion of both sports is challenging, but maintaining an active presence helps with recruitment and community support. Biggest Challenges: Home Course Controversy & Athlete Buy-In New Avalon beach course: While challenging, it has helped the team improve and provided a home-course advantage. However, some school board members want a course closer to the school, which presents logistical challenges. Building a fully committed team: Some athletes lack dedication to consistent training and attendance, something the coaching staff is working hard to address. Season Outlook With a strong core of returning runners, rigorous beach training, and a renewed focus on team culture, Middle Township Cross Country is set for a season of growth and competition. Overcoming challenges with team buy-in and home course location will be key, but with strong leadership and dedicated athletes, the team is ready to take another big step forward.