Fairfield College Preparatory School Cross Country Season Preview

As the weeks of summer come to an end and the school year approaches, so does the start of another exciting season for the Fairfield College Preparatory School Cross Country team. With the leadership of Coach Christian Alvarado, the team is gearing up for a strong and competitive season. The team has set some ambitious goals for themselves this year - placing top 10 in both the SCC championships and State Class LL Meet. To achieve these goals, the team will rely on the dedication and hard work of their top returning players from last season - senior captains Daniel Tristine and Brian Marin. Tristine and Marin are both poised for breakout seasons after a summer of intense training. Their experience and leadership on the team make them valuable assets to both the team's performance and team chemistry. But as Coach Alvarado points out, there are also some new players to watch out for this season. "We could have one or two varsity runners make a big impact in lowering our overall team score who were either freshmen last year or new to the team," Coach Alvarado shared. "It will come down to how quickly they adapt to the training." Aside from physical abilities, qualities such as good leadership skills, dedication, and a positive attitude are what Coach Alvarado looks for in potential team captains. This year, the team is fortunate to have Tristine and Marin as their captains, both embodying these qualities. However, there are other players also battling for that role, showcasing the strong leadership qualities within the team. Creating a strong team chemistry and camaraderie is essential for success in any sport. Coach Alvarado understands this and has implemented various strategies to foster a strong bond between his players. "Our team has become pretty close this summer. We sometimes have ice cream after our summer runs. This year we'll have a pre-season BBQ along with the usual pasta party before a big meet," he said. However, team chemistry alone is not enough to elevate the team to its desired level of success. Coach Alvarado is also focused on motivating his players to push themselves to their full potential. "I try to get them to enjoy the sport of running before we emphasize goal setting," he shared. "This means showing up to practice every day and recognizing how they are a part of a team which often feels like an individual sport." Preparing for this season has not come without its challenges.