Four years ago, I was named the head coach of varsity cross country. I had served as the assistant for three seasons and was excited to begin a new chapter of OP cross country with Mr. Scotto. The fall of 2011 saw 24 runners begin the season, including a precocious group of freshman; Andrew Coder, Andrew Lynch, Brendan Mairs, Henry Monaco, Paul Moyer, Jack Skinner, and Phil Worster. They were joined by Max Hubbauer and Brian McReynolds last year and Sadik Charles this season.

As this was the first freshman class Coach Scotto and I had the unique pleasure of working with and getting to know, I would like to personally thank each member:

Coder: Thank you for your exuberance, dedication, and desire to improve. Your time betterment from freshman to senior year is an indication of the resilient person you are.

Lynch: Thank you for your mental and physical toughness. You have served an invaluable role as a spiritual leader and role model for what it takes to succeed.

Mairs: Thank you for your consistency. Your role as a pivotal varsity top 7 member since day one has not gone unnoticed.

Monaco: Thank you for your humor and desire to better your teammates. You have the skills to become a great coach one day.

Moyer: Thank you for your maturity and desire to lead. The way in which you fought back this season made us all proud.

Skinner: Thank you for being team photographer with Paul. Your leadership and calm presence will be missed going forward.

Phil: Thank you for working diligently your senior season. It was great seeing a PR in your last race.

Hubbauer: Thank you for the incredibly driven attitude you brought to the team these last two seasons. R.I.P Leland

McReynolds: Thank you for working hard enough to earn a varsity spot as a junior and senior. Those who train well are rewarded.

Sadik: Thank you for learning the ropes as a first year runner in your senior year, willing to learn and willing to work.

It will certainly be a different environment come August 2015. Do not be a stranger to the program. Return when you can and know OP XC will always be a part of your memories. Thank you all.

Coach McCrystal and Coach Scotto