DCL Championship Results, 10/30/26

Championship season got underway earlier today at Franklin Park in Boston, where the DCL Championship has been held for most of the 21st century. The layout of the courses (approximately 3km for 9th graders, 5k for JV and varsity runners) underwent a fairly large change last year to account for the (still) ongoing construction around White Stadium, which sits next to Playstead Field where the races begin and end. This year the course utilized the same three "building blocks" as a year ago--Wilderness Loop twice, Bear Cage Hill, and Playstead field traversed multiple times--but the order in which these pieces were laid out was changed. 

The DCL is a very deep league, with 11 members. Most of them are among the larger schools in Massachusetts, and as such they complete in Division 1 (of 3) in the upcoming MIAA tournament. Bedford, Wayland and Weston have much smaller enrollments than the other 8 member schools and compete in Division 2 in the MIAA tournament. For this reason, the varsity races today were scored separately for the Foley Division (which includes Wayland) and Thorpe Division teams. The boys finished a strong second among the Foley division teams, while the girls were a credible third after not having a scoring team a year ago at this meet. The time gap between the 1st and 5th finishers (AKA 1-5 spread) of 3:28 for the girls today was the best the team has had at this meet since 2012. Meanwhile the boys score of 58 points was the lowest point total for Wayland since the team scoring was separated into Foley and Thorpe divisions in 2022. 

There were many noteworthy individual results from today's meet which was contested in quite warm and windy conditions. There were two medal winners for the boys team, Brandon Hopps in 11th place in the varsity boys race, and his brother Evan taking the seventh and final medal spot in the 9th grade boys race. In the girls varsity race, Ivy Robertson led the way finishing 17th  with Ava Miller close behind in 19th. By finishing in the top 20 they are all but assured of being named DCL All-Stars, which will hopefully be confirmed early next week following the DCL coaches postseason meeting. 

Congratulations to everyone who raced today!

results - note that in the varsity races, the Foley and Thorpe results are compiled separately although there was only one varsity race for each gender 

splits and times for WHS athletes 

Franklin Park performance list  - note the courses were changed last year from a previous layout that had been in use since the mid-90s. The lists for the current 3k and 5k courses underwent significant updates after today's races.

WHS team and top individual results at DCL and MIAA Championships, 1997-present 

DCL Championship, 10/30/26

live results

Meet Site: Playstead Field at Franklin Park, Boston.

Bus Time: 12:00 PM

Note the bus time. Athletes listed below will be dismissed after 3rd period. Remember that you're responsible for any work in classes that you miss. If you're entered in a later race and need to stay at school for a test or other assignment, you can arrange your own transportation to the meet but check with the coaches about it ahead of time. 

Meet Schedule and lineups:

2:00 PM JV boys 5k - Ciccarelli, Conley, Doxopoulos, Grace, Jorgensen, LeBaron, McLaughlin, Ricci, D. Sondey, Versteeg

2:30 PM Varsity girls 5k - Hage, Miller, Robertson, Schoeffler. Wang

3:00 PM 9th grade 3k - Atchison, Choi, Garcia-Rivera, Hill, E. Hopps, Markey, P. Sondey, Spilman, Stack, Tharpe, Thomas, Tripp, Vukson, Zhang

3:30 PM Varsity boys 5k - Baker, Foley, Hopper, B. Hopps, Migdal, Spence, Young 

4:00 PM JV girls 5k - Brown, Davids

4:30 PM Awards

Meet Information:

• Weather forecast: Mostly sunny, temperature in the mid to high 60s with westerly winds 10-15 mph.

• Runners must report to the starting line 10 minutes before the start of their race, and begin removing sweats no later than 5 minutes before their race starts.

• Each team is assigned a box along the starting line. We'll know our box number after we arrive at the meet site.

• While the boys and girls 9th graders will race at the same time, the results of the races are compiled separately. 

• The top 15 finishers in each varsity race, the top 8 JV and the top 7 9th graders (boys and girls both) will receive awards.

• While the course will surely be well marked, it's a good idea to check it out during your warmup. Please note the course tour is self-guided, using the map below.

• If this is your final meet of the season, bring an extra change of clothes and after your race you can change out of your uniform in the field house and return it to one of the coaches.  

• Return time to WHS is approximate, but we hope to be back around 6:00 PM depending on traffic. 

Course Map and Description:

• The 5k course consists of three loops. The first loop is in the Wilderness, followed by a trip up and over Bear Cage Hill. Then a second trip into the Wilderness, finishing up on Playstead field.

 

• The 3k course includes an initial loop in the Wilderness, then a trip up and over Bear Cage Hill before finishing on Playstead field:

• There's a stretch of pavement leading to the base of the Bear Cage hill, such that wearing spike elements in your racing shoes isn't a good idea. Those that are wearing spiked shoes should replace the spike elements with either blanks or 1/8" elements. 

• All time list for WHS athletes at Franklin Park, 1997-present (note the course was changed in 2025 due to White Stadium construction project)

What to bring:

• uniform
• everyday training shoes
• racing shoes if you have them
• warmup clothes including: long sleeved shirt, pants, windbreaker, gloves, hat
• water bottle
• snacks for post-race (chocolate milk will be provided using proceeds from the Wayland XC Festival). If you're running in a later race, bring a snack to have when we first arrive at the park to tide you over until your race. 
• folding chair if you want something to sit on while changing shoes

For parents:

• There's a small parking lot at the corner of Circuit Drive and Pierpont Road; there's also a larger lot further down Circuit Drive, as well as on-street parking on Circuit Drive.
• If you're going to be at the meet and would like to take your child with you when their race is over, please let one of the coaches know.
• The area just beyond the finish line is a good spot to see the race at various points as the runners pass by this spot repeatedly.

Week 10 Training Plan, 10/26-11/1

This week is the beginning of the final phase of the season, which kicks off with Friday's DCL Championship meet at Franklin Park. As in years past, there will be a karaoke contest on the bus ride home from this meet which is not to be missed. Submit your song choice in advance to the coaches for approval. The maximum group size for the contest is four people. It would behoove you to practice your song beforehand.

We'll also return to the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge for an optional practice the day after the DCL Championship. This will be an easy recovery run. The address is 680 Hudson Road Sudbury and we'll meet outside the Visitor Center--which will be open, and has a small gift shop in the lobby.  

With the end of the season drawing near, we've entered the peaking phase of our training. The proverbial hay is in the barn, from here on out training volume will be decreased. This is achieved through a reduction in the length of most daily runs, as well as a reduction in the number of runs per week. The reduction in number of runs per week is achieved by taking an additional day per week off from practice. For this week that day is Wednesday.

• Mon 10/26 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including BURPEES followed by a progressive run as follows:

Group A: 36 minutes (12 minutes easy, 9 minutes @70%, 9 minutes @80%, 6 minutes easy) 

Group B: 48 minutes (16 minutes easy, 12 minutes @70%, 12 minutes @80%, 8 minutes easy) 

Group C: 60 minutes (20 minutes easy, 15 minutes @70%, 15 minutes @80%, 10 minutes easy) 

• Tue 10/27 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including CURTSIES followed by a short length run at an easy to moderate intensity including 3 sets of shorts repeats on top of the aqueduct.

Group A: 24-28 minutes
Group B: 32-36 minutes
Group C: 40-44 minutes

• Wed 10/28 - off

• Thu 10/29 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including BURPEES followed by a short length run with the "Ingebrigtsen Special" incorporated near the end of the run.

Group A: 24-28 minutes
Group B: 32-36 minutes
Group C: 40-44 minutes

• Fri 10/30 - DCL Championship Meet @Franklin Park. The meet starts early which will require dismissal after 3rd period class. You're responsible for any work or tests you might miss as a result of this. More information forthcoming. This is a medium length day, including warmup and cooldown running it should add up to the following:

Group A: 32-36 minutes
Group B: 40-44 minutes
Group C: 48-52 minutes

On the bus ride home, the 12th annual edition of the Golden Microphone karaoke contest will take place.

• Sat 10/31 - Medium length run at an easy intensity. For those that are interested, we'll meet 10 AM at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. The route of today's run will take us past the site of the property formerly owned by Henry Ford. 

Group A: 32-36 minutes
Group B: 40-44 minutes
Group C: 48-52 minutes

• Sun 11/1 - off

Dual Meet #3 vs. Waltham, Weston results 10/21/26

The final dual meet of the season took place in cool temperatures with a brisk breeze at Burchard Park in Weston. This meet was a double dual although "triple dual" might be a more accurate term given there were three teams contesting three separate dual meets with the host Weston along with Waltham taking part. The course is relatively flat with mostly smooth footing, and the loop that was run twice included portions on either side of College Pond as well as a segment passing through a small orchard.

The girls varsity race was first on a 5k course. Waltham chose not to enter anyone meaning the Wayland-Waltham meet was a forfeit. The meet with Weston was a tight affair from the outset, with only a few points separating the two teams at most intermediate points. In fact it was a one point meet much of the time. Weston held the edge though throughout, and in the end squeaked out a 3 point victory despite Wayland taking three of the top five places with Ava Miller, Ivy Robertson and Henrietta Schoeffler. 

Next was the JV race which was run on a shorter course of a bit under 2.5 miles (4k). This was the largest race of the day by far and the Wayland contingent ran well from front to back, led by Drake LeBaron in third place overall. He was followed closely by the 9th grade trio of Henry Vukson, Dylan Stack, and Rhys Hill, with all of them running the course in under 16 minutes. Their times compare favorably to all the WHS athletes who have run on this course over the years since Wayland first raced at Burchard Park.

Finally the boys varsity race took to the course, and it was hotly contested from the jump. The lead Wayland duo of Brandon Hopps and Ryan Foley did well to wait out the fast early pace and improve their position in the second half of the race. Ryan Young ran very steadily as Wayland's third finisher, followed closely by an ever-improving Elliot Hopper. Archie Baker rounded out the WHS scoring five with senior Reese Migdal and 9th grader Evan Hopps rounding out the top seven for Wayland. The team results were a split, with Wayland falling to an excellent Weston team that's ranked among the top teams in the state, while easily handling the Waltham meet.

According to the Weston coach, this was a historically fast race on a course that's been in use since 2016 (Wayland first visited the following year). The overall winner from Weston set the course record; six of the top 14 times ever happened today, including Brandon Hopps with the 5th fastest time and Ryan Foley the 13th fastest time. Their times compare favorably to recent WHS grads Luke Chisum and Will Jackson who are currently plying their trade at the collegiate level. 

With the regular season in the books, what remains is the post-season kicking off next Friday with the DCL Championship meet which will surely be very competitive. 

meet results (ignore boys team scores, the software scored the meet like it was a tri-meet not a double dual)

splits for WHS athletes and team scores (it was quite hectic at the mile mark of the JV race)

All time list for WHS athletes at Burchard Park, 2017-present

Dual Meet #3 vs. Waltham, Weston 10/21/26

Meet Site: Burchard Park, 269 Concord Road Weston Ma

*NOTE: the meet is NOT held at Weston High School* 

 

Bus Time 2:45 (hopefully)

Order of Races - First race start no earlier than 4:15

Combined JV race - Atchison, Choi, Ciccarelli, Garcia-Rivera, Hill, Jorgensen, LeBaron, Markey, McLaughlin, P. Sondey, Spilman*, Stack, Thomas, Tripp, Versteeg, Vukson, Zhang

 Girls varsity - Brown, Davids, Hage*, Jay*, Miller, Robertson, Schoeffler, Wang

Boys varsity- Baker, Conley, Foley, Hopper, B. Hopps, E. Hopps, Migdal, Ricci, D. Sondey, Spence, Tharpe, Young

*TBD

Course Map: 

• The varsity course is 5k in length and consists of two trips around the loop shown on the map. At the end of the second loop the course bears left around and between baseball fields to the finish line (which also serves as the starting line). 

• The JV course is also two loops with the same finish. The JV course loop cuts off the eastern-most section of the varsity loop--that is, the part that heads east away from College Pond and almost reaches Merriam Road before turning back towards the pond. The overall length of the JV course is 2.43 miles, just under 4 km.

The 5k course covers about 1.2k of grass, 3k of dirt trails/dirt road (with a few sections where there also is some gravel on the dirt), and 800m of asphalt (mostly sidewalk and a bit of the driveway leading to the park from Concord Road). If you're wearing spiked shoes they should be fitted with blanks or 1/8" pyramids. The course is fairly flat. 

 

Trails are quite wide, should be no issues with passing except for one 40 meter stretch (which is run twice, near the mile mark and then at about 4k).  

 

• Burchard Park has been used as Weston's home course since 2017, here is the performance list for WHS athletes who have raced on the course in the past. 

Meet Information:

• Weather forecast: partly cloudy, temperature in the high 50s with NNE winds 10-15 mph. Bring clothes to wear at the meet besides your uniform.
• You'll need to wear your assigned bib number. This is the last meet where it will be used; if you want to keep it as a memento feel free, otherwise return it to the ziploc bag for use next year. 
• There will be a course tour soon after we arrive.
 
What to Bring:

• uniform
• everyday training shoes  

• racing shoes if you have them  
• warmup clothes
• water bottle - including a larger (24-32 oz.) bottle if you have one  
• snacks for post-race (chocolate milk will be provided using proceeds from the Wayland XC Festival)

For parents:

• As a reminder, the meet is NOT held at Weston High School.

• Spectators at the field can see the first 300 meters, a 300 meter section in the middle of the race, and the last 400 meters or so without having to leave the ball field area. 
• There is parking next to the baseball fields where the course begins and ends.

Week 9 Training Plan, 10/19-10/25

Woodbridge “XC” Classic course

2026 Woodbridge girls Sweepstakes race - won by Madeleine Lane, a runner from NH. Her father ran professionally, while her mother was an All-American runner at Stanford. 

scouting

This week we're in between the middle portion of the season, which is ending, and the final stages of the 2025 fall campaign. The last of three dual meets is on Wednesday.  The following was pointed out in last week's plan, but is worth repeating here: we've reached the time of year where there will be days when we meet inside the field house due to cooler temperatures. There's no firm dividing line but in general if the temperature outside is much below 55 degrees we'll likely meet indoors to start. If you don't see anyone outside under the tree that's why.

Monday 10/19 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including BURPEES followed by the final cyclic long run and final long run of the season.   

Group A: 48 minutes (4 minute segments)
Group B: 60 minutes (5 minute segments)
Group C: 72 minutes (6 minute segments)

the route for today's run is TBD. 

Tuesday 10/20 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including CURTSIES and strides on the track followed by a short length recovery run at an easy to moderate intensity with hill drills. We'll be doing the hill drills near Cedar Crest Road on the Hultman aqueduct. The length of the run today is as follows:

Group A: 26-30 minutes
Group B: 32-36 minutes
Group C: 42-46 minutes

Wednesday 10/21 - Dual Meet #3, vs. Waltham and Weston at Burchard Park in Weston More information is coming soon in a forthcoming post. Remember this should be a medium length day including warmup and cool down. 

Group A: 36-40 minutes
Group B: 46-50 minutes
Group C: 56-60 minutes

Thursday 10/22 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including strides and BURPEES followed by a short length run at an easy to moderate effort level. Upon your return to the school we'll be doing high stepping run throughs (high knees) and bounding over cones on the softball field. 

Group A: 26-30 minutes
Group B: 32-36 minutes
Group C: 42-46 minutes

Friday 10/23 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup followed by either a medium length run (Group A: 36-40 minutes, Group B 46-50 minutes, Group C 56-60 minutes) for those attending tomorrow's practice at Lincoln Station or the following workout:

Group A: 6 minute jog warmup, then a cutdown consisting of 6 minutes @60-65% effort, 4 minutes @70-75% effort, 2 minutes @80-85% effort, 1 minute @90% effort, 1 minute @90% effort. 2 minutes recovery after each repeat. 6 minute jog cooldown. 

Group B: 8 minute jog warmup, then a cutdown consisting of 8 minutes @60-65% effort, 6 minutes @70-75% effort, 4 minutes @80-85% effort, 2 minutes @80-85% effort, 1 minute @90% effort. 2 minutes recovery after each repeat. 8 minute jog cooldown. 

Group C: 8 minute jog warmup, then a cutdown consisting of 8 minutes @60-65% effort, 6 minutes @70-75% effort, 4 minutes @70-75% effort, 4 minutes @80-85% effort, 2 minutes @80-85% effort, 2 minutes @80-85% effort, 1 minute @90% effort, 1 minute @90% effort. 2 minutes recovery after each repeat. 8 minute jog cooldown. 

Saturday 10/24 - Either a short length run (Group A: 26-30 minutes, Group B 32-36 minutes, Group C 42-46 minutes) for those not attending today's optional practice or the following workout meeting at Lincoln Station at 9 AM:

Group A: 6 minute jog warmup, then a cutdown consisting of 6 minutes @60-65% effort, 4 minutes @70-75% effort, 2 minutes @80-85% effort, 1 minute @90% effort, 1 minute @90% effort. 2 minutes recovery after each repeat. 6 minute jog cooldown. 

Group B: 8 minute jog warmup, then a cutdown consisting of 8 minutes @60-65% effort, 6 minutes @70-75% effort, 4 minutes @80-85% effort, 2 minutes @80-85% effort, 1 minute @90% effort. 2 minutes recovery after each repeat. 8 minute jog cooldown. 

Group C: 8 minute jog warmup, then a cutdown consisting of 8 minutes @60-65% effort, 6 minutes @70-75% effort, 4 minutes @70-75% effort, 4 minutes @80-85% effort, 2 minutes @80-85% effort, 2 minutes @80-85% effort, 1 minute @90% effort, 1 minute @90% effort. 2 minutes recovery after each repeat. 8 minute jog cooldown. 

Sunday 10/25 - off

Week 8 Training Plan, 10/12-10/18

This week has no meet on the docket, meanwhile there is a federal holiday on Monday. Note that there will be a long run, done on either Monday or Tuesday. The day on which the long run will be done is up to the athlete. For those that would like to do the long run on Monday we'll meet in the afternoon after the rain has  moved out, at a novel location. Otherwise it will happen on Tuesday. See below for details.

We've reached the time of year where there will be days when we meet inside the field house due to cooler temperatures. There's no firm dividing line but in general if the temperature outside is much below 55 degrees we'll likely meet indoors to start. If you don't see anyone outside under the tree that's why. If it's a steady rain, as is likely for Friday, we'll meet in the field house.

Monday 10/12 - Either a short length run on our own OR

Practice at 3:00. Meet at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, via the Hudson Road entrance. Address is 680 Hudson Road, Sudbury. If the gate at the entrance is open (which it should be) we'll meet at the visitor center building which is about half a mile down Winterberry Way. If the gate is closed we'll meet in the parking area at the entrance itself. 

brief warmup followed by a PLR which breaks down like this:

Group A: 48 minutes (16 minutes easy - 12 minutes fresh - 12 minutes good - 8 minutes easy)
Group B: 60 minutes (20 minutes easy - 15 minutes fresh - 15 minutes good - 10 minutes easy)
Group C: 72 minutes (24 minutes easy - 18 minutes fresh - 18 minutes good - 12 minutes easy)

This run will utilize the trails of the refuge many of which are abandoned railroad beds left over from the World War 2 era. At that time the area was used for storing military supplies in a series of large bunkers which are still there today.

Tuesday 10/13 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including BURPEES followed by a PLR which breaks down like this:

Group A: 48 minutes (16 minutes easy - 12 minutes fresh - 12 minutes good - 8 minutes easy)
Group B: 60 minutes (20 minutes easy - 15 minutes fresh - 15 minutes good - 10 minutes easy)
Group C: 72 minutes (24 minutes easy - 18 minutes fresh - 18 minutes good - 12 minutes easy)

those who did the PLR yesterday will do a short length run at an easy to moderate intensity:

Group A: 26-30 minutes
Group B: 32-36 minutes
Group C: 42-46 minutes 

Wednesday 10/14 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including strides and CURTSIES followed by a short length recovery run at an easy to moderate intensity with hill drills. We'll be doing the hill drills near Cedar Crest Road on the Hultman aqueduct. The length of the run today is as follows:

Group A: 26-30 minutes
Group B: 32-36 minutes
Group C: 42-46 minutes

Thursday 10/15 - Warmup including BURPEES and strides on the track followed by a short length run at an easy to moderate effort level. Upon your return to the school we'll be doing high stepping run throughs (high knees) and bounding over cones on the softball field. 

Group A: 26-30 minutes
Group B: 32-36 minutes
Group C: 42-46 minutes

Friday 10/16 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup followed by either a medium length run (Group A: 36-40 minutes, Group B 46-50 minutes, Group C 56-60 minutes) for those attending tomorrow's practice at Lincoln Station or the following workout:

Group A: 6 minute jog warmup, 9 minute progression run with first 3 minutes at 60% effort, next 3 minutes 70% effort, last 3 minutes at 80% effort. 5 minute break then 3 sets of 3x300 meters with 200 meter recovery jogs. First two sets at race pace, last set faster than that. 3 minutes between sets. 6 minute jog cooldown. 

Group B: 8 minute jog warmup, 12 minute progression run with first 4 minutes at 60% effort, next 4 minutes 70% effort, last 4 minutes at 80% effort. 5 minute break then 3 sets of 3x300 meters with 200 meter recovery jogs. First two sets at race pace, last set faster than that. 3 minutes between sets. 8 minute jog cooldown. 

Group C: 8 minute jog warmup, 15 minute progression run with first 5 minutes at 60% effort, next 5 minutes 70% effort, last 5 minutes at 80% effort. 5 minute break then 3 sets of 3x300 meters with 200 meter recovery jogs. First two sets at race pace, last set faster than that. 3 minutes between sets. 8 minute jog cooldown. 

Saturday 10/17 - Either a short length run (Group A: 26-30 minutes, Group B 32-36 minutes, Group C 42-46 minutes) for those not attending today's optional practice or the following workout meeting at Lincoln Station at time TBD:

Group A: 6 minute jog warmup, 9 minute progression run with first 3 minutes at 60% effort, next 3 minutes 70% effort, last 3 minutes at 80% effort. 5 minute break then 3 sets of 3x300 meters with 200 meter recovery jogs. First two sets at race pace, last set faster than that. 3 minutes between sets. 6 minute jog cooldown. 

Group B: 8 minute jog warmup, 12 minute progression run with first 4 minutes at 60% effort, next 4 minutes 70% effort, last 4 minutes at 80% effort. 5 minute break then 3 sets of 3x300 meters with 200 meter recovery jogs. First two sets at race pace, last set faster than that. 3 minutes between sets. 8 minute jog cooldown. 

Group C: 8 minute jog warmup, 15 minute progression run with first 5 minutes at 60% effort, next 5 minutes 70% effort, last 5 minutes at 80% effort. 5 minute break then 3 sets of 3x300 meters with 200 meter recovery jogs. First two sets at race pace, last set faster than that. 3 minutes between sets. 8 minute jog cooldown.

Sunday 10/18 - off

MSTCA Twilight Invitational results, 10/10/26

No time for an elaborate writeup, in the interest of getting the results out expeditiously they're linked below. In summary, the teams performed very well in nearly ideal conditions for fast racing. The pattern that emerged over and over was a quick first mile, typical of a large invitational race environment where it's imperative to establish position without going too far over the physiological edge, followed by a consistent rhythm the rest of the way. Wayland athletes steered their way through the wreckage of competitors who overdid it early on, passing rather than being passed as the race progressed. The medal haul of two, both going to the Hopps household, is the lowest for Wayland in some years but this is a reflection of how competitive the meet was across the board as the top runners on this year's team compare favorably to past editions at all levels. 

overall results

splits and times for WHS athletes

 

MSTCA Twilight Invitational, 10/10/26

live results

Meet Site: Cape Cod Fairgrounds, 1220 Nathan Ellis Hwy (rt. 151), East Falmouth, MA 02536

Bus Time: 2:30 PM. Arrive at the school a bit before this time so that we can be on the road promptly, it's a long ride!

Meet Schedule and lineups:

5:15 pm Novice Coed – none

5:45 pm Freshman Girls – none

6:05 pm Freshman Boys – 2.1 miles (17) Atchison, E. Hopps, P. Sondey, Stack, Thomas, Vukson

6:25 pm Sophomore Girls – 5K (28) Brown, Hage  

6:55 pm Sophomore Boys – 5K (25) Ciccarelli*, Conley, Jorgensen, LeBaron, McLaughlin, Ricci, Versteeg

7:20 pm Junior Varsity Girls – 5K (28) Davids, Jay, Wang

7:50 pm Junior Varsity Boys – 5K (25) Spence

8:15 pm Varsity Small School Girls – none

8:45 pm Varsity Small School Boys – none

9:10 pm Varsity Medium School Girls – 5K (26) Miller, Robertson

9:40 pm Varsity Medium School Boys –5K (22) Baker, Foley, Hopper, B. Hopps, Migdal, D. Sondey, Young

Note: the top seven times on the 5k course will receive credit towards a varsity letter

* TBA

The time in parentheses after each race is the cutoff for that race. Athletes who don't make the cutoff won't be recorded in the official results. The coaching staff will get finishing times for all WHS athletes reagardess of whether or not the cutoff time is reached.

Course Map:

• The main loop of the course is indicated by the blue line on the map. The novice and 9th grade races run this loop twice, the 5k races cover the loop three times. The red line on the map is where the course passes by the start area after the first loop of the race; the yellow line is the final run to the finish.

• Part of the loop is paved, which may influence your spike element length choice. Check the course loop beforehand.

• The loop passes through multiple barns and stables. 

• The starting line is a mix of grass and sand, and can best be described as "crowded." The most people from one team that will be allowed to stand side by side on the starting line is two, others will have to line up behind them when there are more than two people from Wayland entered in a given race.

Meet Information:

• meet information sheet from MSTCA

• Weather forecast: 6 PM: partly cloudy, high 50s, 7 PM mid 50s, 9 PM low 50s. Winds light and variable.

• The top 25 finishers in each race win medals. Medals will be given out in the finish chute.

• All warmup and cool down runs must be done on the fairgrounds, athletes aren't permitted to run on the roads near the fairgrounds. 

• MSTCA will be using chip timing. Athletes who are not competing and are by the finish line should not be wearing their bib with tag because it can be picked up by the transmitter. This will cause issues in recording places. 

• Be sure to leave enough time before your race (ideally 10-12 minutes) to get to the starting line. Meet management has requested that athletes go around the back of the finish chute to access the starting line area, rather than cutting across the course in front of the finish line. Refer to the course map to see what I'm talking about.  

• There will be two tents staffed by athletic trainers, one near the finish line and the other near the barns on the upper reaches of the course loop.

What to bring (IMPORTANT):

• uniform
• everyday training shoes
• racing shoes if you have them
• full set of warmup clothes including: long sleeved shirt, pants, windbreaker, gloves, hat. You might want to bring a dry set of clothes to wear for the trip home.
• water bottle
• snacks for post-race (chocolate milk will be provided using proceeds from the Wayland XC Festival)
• folding chair
• blanket to lie on inside or next to the team tent
• flashlight/headlamp
• DINNER for before or after your race. We won't be leaving the meet until rather late. There is food for sale at the meet if that's your type of thing; otherwise I'd recommend preparing something in advance and bringing it with you in a small cooler or lunch bag. 

Information for Parents:

• Admissions fees at the gate are $10 for adults and $5 for students/seniors.  There is a $30 cap per family of spectators.  The MSTCA accepts cash, credit/debit cards (including ApplePay and Google Wallet), and Venmo at the gate. Purchase online for a discount at https://gofan.co/event/6951340?schoolId=MA101416

 • Dogs and grills are prohibited. As are drones, so leave those at home.

• The team tent (suitable for both cross country meets and ice fishing) will be set up in the team area which is just east of the starting line on the map above.

• Given the sinuous nature of the course loop there are various spots where you can stand in one place and see the race pass by your position multiple times.

Dual Meet #2 vs. Bedford results, 10/7/26

The second of two home dual meets was a compelling day of racing for the Wayland Cross country teams as they faced Bedford under sunny skies. The status of this event was up in the air until the day before the meet after there were unforeseen changes last week to an area of the course behind the stadium scoreboard. Thankfully the Wayland DPW was able to mitigate damage to the ground on which athletes had to race in time to allow for the same course layout to be used as the first home meet three weeks ago.

In the boys JV race Jack Ricci left no doubt, pulling away from the rest of the field early and never looking back. Behind him Rhys Hill was the next WHS runners in second overall. Behind them many of the Wayland runners who had raced previously on the 2.2 mile long course (a bit longer than the previously advertised 2.1 mile distance) last month were able to improve on their times. 

In the girls varsity race, it seemed like the two teams would be evenly matched based on prior results this season. Wayland's top duo of Ava Miller and Ivy Robertson steadily pulled away from the rest of the field to take first and second overall. Behind them a fascinating duel unfolded between Bedford's top runner and Henrietta Schoeffler. This went right down to the wire with the Bedford athlete only moving ahead in the final meters of the race. Wayland's top five was filled out by Lily-Rose Hage and Cordia Wang who raced well together, with Anya Brown and Emily Davids rounding out the seven person varsity contingent. In the end Bedford had enough depth to take the meet despite conceding the top two places to Wayland. The 29-30 doesn't get much closer (the only closer result would be a tie going to the sixth runner tiebreaker). 29 points is the highest number of points that can be scored in a dual meet and still win. 

The boys varsity was the final race of the day. Looking ahead to this weekend's (late) race at the Twilight Invitational, the top boys were hoping to make it a controlled effort to the degree that was possible. It was still competitive and the times were impressive compared to the first home meet three weeks ago. The pair of Brandon Hopps and Ryan Foley once again led the charge taking the top two places. Bedford got the next two spots, but the trio of Ryan Young, Elliot Hopper went 5th-6th-7th place which cemented the win. Rounding out the top 7 for Wayland were Daniel Sondey and Thomas Conley, both of whom have shown steady improvement as the season has progressed. In the final tally the Wayland boys won the meet by a comfortable 21-34 margin. 

score sheet

splits and times for WHS athletes

Dual Meet #2 vs. Bedford, 10/7/26

Score Sheet

Suggested warmup protocol - you may have to adjust this somewhat, particularly if you're entered in the JV race.

Meet Site: Wayland High School. The second of two home meets this season.

Start Time: First race 4:15 PM unless you hear different from me. Please arrive no later than 3:15. We may need help doing final setup the course. There will be three races as follows:

1. Combined JV race (short course) - Atchison, Choi, Ciccarelli, Garcia-Rivera, Grace, Hill, Jorgensen, LeBaron, Markey, McLaughlin, Ricci, P. Sondey, Stack, Tripp, Versteeg, Vukson, Zhang

2. Varsity girls race (long course) - Andrus, Brown, Davids, Hage, Miller, Robertson, Schoeffler, Wang

3. Varsity boys race (long course) - Baker, Conley, Foley, Hopper, B. Hopps, Migdal*, D. Sondey, Spence, Tharpe, Young

note: the top 7 finishers in the varsity boys race will earn credit toward a varsity letter.  

* TBD

Course Maps: 

Short course for JV race (correction, it's actually 2.2 miles)

Long course for varsity races

Meet Information:

• Weather forecast: Sunny, temperatures in the mid to high 60s with SW winds 10-15 mph. Bring clothes to wear at the meet besides your uniform.

• Before the first race of the day there will be tours of both the short and long courses. Anyone racing at WHS for the first time will join the course tour.  

 • Don't forget your assigned dual meet bib number. At the conclusion of your race, please remove the bib number from your jersey and return it to the large ziploc bag where the bib numbers will be stored between meets. Leave the safety pins on the corners of the bib number.

 • Be prepared to help out with setting up and/or breaking down the course before and after the meet. This mostly involves the placement or removal of cones and small flags. You may be asked to help by one of the coaches or one of the captains. 

• Team members who aren't competing can help out with finish line tasks or serving as course marshals. This help is greatly appreciated by your teammates and the coaching staff.  

Frank Kelley Invitational Results, 10/3/26

A select group of 3 Wayland athletes raced on the Wrentham Developmental Center course Saturday, with 2 medals and all 3 finishing in the top 30 in their respective races. This is the first of 3 meets scheduled at this venue for WHS, a layout known for running quite fast (mostly flat, smooth footing). 

In the 9th grade boys race a large field of over 140 runners toed the line. After a somewhat hectic and crowded start, Henry Tharpe and Rhys Hill were able to work their way up in the field with Tharpe finishing in 25th and Hill in 29th. Tharpe secured the final medal in the race. 

In the 10th grade girls race, Henrietta Schoeffler established position right away and ran most of the way in the top 12 before eventually finishing a strong 16th to win the second medal of the day for Wayland. 

9th grade boys results

10th grade girls results

Splits and times for WHS athletes

WHS performance list on the Wrentham Developmental Center course

 

Week 7 Training Plan, 10/5-10/11

Twilight meet poll

This week is the only week of the season that features two meets--the second and final home meet on Wednesday hosting Bedford, and the always popular Twilight Meet in Falmouth on Sunday. Please take a moment to fill out the poll linked above to indicate your availability for the Twilight meet. Entries are due Tuesday at 8 PM, I need to know by the end of practice Tuesday.

In addition to our own races, the Wayland XC Festival (now rebranded as the "HFC Striders XC Festival at Wayland") will also be happening on Sunday in the morning. This is our fundraiser and while an outside running club (HFC Striders) handles the management of the meet, they appreciate any help from WHS athletes who can volunteer their time. Volunteer slots start as early as 8 AM (but also occur later in the day) and last 60-90 minutes. 

Finally, Note that the four levels that have existed up until now have been consolidated into three groups; Levels 1 and 2 have become Group A, Level 3 is Group B, and Level 4 is now Group C.  

Mon 10/5 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including BURPEES followed by a cyclic long run.   

Group A: 48 minutes (4 minute segments)
Group B: 60 minutes (5 minute segments)
Group C: 72 minutes (6 minute segments)

the route for today's run is TBA/player's choice. 

Tue 10/7 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including CURTSIES followed by a short length recovery run at an easy to moderate intensity with hill drills. We'll be doing the hill drills on the Hultman aqueduct where it crosses Cedar Crest Road. The length of the run today is as follows:

Group A: 26-30 minutes
Group B: 32-36 minutes
Group C: 42-46 minutes

Wed 10/8 - Dual Meet #2 vs. Bedford. More information will be forthcoming in a subsequent post. Remember than including the time spend racing along with warmup and cooldown, today should be a medium length day:

Group A: 36-40 minutes
Group B: 43-47 minutes
Group C: 52-56 minutes 

Thu 10/9 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including BURPEES and strides followed by a short run including run throughs and bounding over cones. The cones will be set up on the softball field. There will be a boys team meeting after practice today, site TBA. 

Group A: 26-30 minutes
Group B: 32-36 minutes
Group C: 42-46 minutes

Fri 10/10 - Practice at 3:30. Warmup including CURTSIES followed by a short length run with 3 sets of short repeats atop the aqueduct. The length of today's run is as follows:

Group A: 26-30 minutes
Group B: 32-34 minutes
Group C: 38-40 minutes

Sat 10/11 -MSTCA Bob Glennon Twilight Invitational at Cape Cod Fairgrounds in Falmouth. More information will be forthcoming in a subsequent post. Remember this is a medium length day overall including warmup and cooldown:

Group A: 36-40 minutes
Group B: 43-47 minutes
Group C: 52-56 minutes 

Sun 10/12 - off

Frank Kelley Invitational, 10/3/26

Live results 

Meet Site: 

Wrentham Developmental Center. The address is 54 Emerald Street. The race course is located in the large field at the intersection of Emerald Street and Shear St. 

Depart WHS 7:30 AM

Please arrive a few minutes early so we can be on the road in good time!

Race Schedule and Entries:

9 AM 9th Grade Girls 3k - none

9:20 AM 9th Grade Boys 3k - Hill, Tharpe

9:40 AM 10th Grade Girls 3k - Schoeffler

10 AM 10th Grade Boys 3k - none

10:20 AM 11th Grade Girls 3k - none

10:40 AM 11th Grade Boys 3k - none

11 AM 12th Grade Girls 3k - none

11:20 AM 12th Grade Boys 3k - none

Meet Information:

• Weather forecast: Sunny, temperature in the mid to high 50s, light NNE winds 5 mph
• Bib numbers will be assigned to you specifically for this meet; these numbers have an RFID chip attached to the back side which interacts with a conductive mat at the finish line to record your time. The meet director has asked athletes who aren't racing NOT to wear their bib number if standing near the finish line; doing so can cause a false reading by the finish line mat. Also, don't crumple or fold your bib number. 
• Remember that we have a meet day warmup and cooldown protocol. With the schedule set in advance, you should be able to time the start of your warmup accurately. Because people are racing at different times, you won't be warming up at the same time as all your teammates. Report to the starting line 10 minutes before the start of your race; in past editions of this meet the officials have been known to start races a few minutes earlier than the posted schedule. 

• We'll set up shop in the area just east of the starting line, on the map below this is just to the left of the words "Wrentham XC Course." 
• There are no assigned spots on the starting line at this meet, another reason to head over 10 minutes early to get a spot on the line. The group about to race should split in half and take turns holding a spot on the starting line while also doing last minute run outs. 

• If you're wearing a watch while racing, putting your arm up to hit the button on the watch while crossing the finish line can cause the RFID chip to be blocked by your arm, and your finish might not be recorded. In other words, don't press the button on your watch when crossing the finish line.
• Athletes must remain on the racing field for the duration of the meet. No one is to do their warmup or cool down among the buildings of the Wrentham Developmental Center, on neighboring roads, across the street in the William Rice Recreational Area, or in the parking field.

• Athletic trainers are located in a tent just beyond the finish line.  
• Medals will be given to the top 25 finishers in each race.

Course Map:

• The course is fairly flat, with some roll in places. There are no long and/or steep hills. The course is almost entirely on grass. The 3k course ends after the second loop (yellow on the map above). Lap 3 on the map above isn't done for the 3k course. The first loop encompasses the circumference of the large field where the course is situated. The second loop has two incursions from the outer edge of the field into the middle. Typically at this meet there's a large digital clock at the mile mark. 

What to Bring:

• Uniform
• Everyday training shoes
• Racing shoes if you have them; this is a course for spikes, 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2" elements
• Warmup clothes
• Water bottles - filled

•  Folding chair

• Snacks for post-race (chocolate milk will be provided using proceeds from the Wayland XC Festival)

For Parents:

• There's $10 parking fee for each car.

• Dogs aren't allowed except for service animals.
• No grilling, cooking, or fires are allowed at the meet site. 
• Snacks are welcome, but due to allergy concerns the Athletic Director has asked that any snacks be individually wrapped and ideally have the ingredients written on the label. 
• We hope to return to WHS by around 11:30 AM.