The RHS girls’ cross country team has faced many changes this season, providing new challenges and experiences for both the girls and their coaches.

This year’s team decreased in size from last year. This year’s team consisted of four seniors and four new freshmen, with a total of twenty runners. Both coach Jason Milczewski and coach Amy Fagnilli focused on the individual improvement of the girls.

Senior Brady Marks described the positive energy of the team, attributing it to Milczewski and the friendship of the girls.

“We have a great group of girls and Milczewski’s energy and dedication to [the] team brings out the best qualities in each of us. It makes cross country so much more than just a sport,” Marks said.

Milczewski has entered his fifth year of coaching the girls’ cross country team. He, however, shared responsibilities with Fagnilli this year. Milczewski voiced his new commitments this year and how they affected his availability.

“I am writing my thesis, I’m getting married…but I wanted to stay involved,” Milczewski said.

Fagnilli explained her reasoning for assisting in coaching this year
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“I decided to jump in and do what I could so that [Milczewski] could keep coaching,” Fagnilli said.

Fagnilli and Milczewski split the coaching responsibilities, taking turns running practices and working together at meets. Milczewski described the coaching partnership with Fagnilli.

“[Fagnilli has] been great with taking on fifty percent of the role,” Milczewski said.

Senior Brady Marks explained Fagnilli’s impact on the team.

“[Fagnilli] is always really good about cheering for us at meets and trying her best to make sure we [are] prepared… Fagnilli [has] added a lot of laughter and fun to the team,” said Marks.

The team’s four seniors are Audrey DeLong, Marks, Maddie Newingham and Natalie Pasicznyk. The team ended their season placing seventh at thr Suburban League Invitational on Saturday, October 11th.