On November 10, the boys cross country team went into the state meet with high expectations, having previously won counties and the CMC championships. According to a MileSplit MD poll, the Lancers were favored going into the meet to take the state title, but, the team took silver, overshadowed by Centennial 126-87. To add to the Lancer disappointment, Centennial had an incredible team spread of 23 seconds compared to the Lancers’ 2 minute and 11-second spread. One positive on the day was Michael Belmaggio’s first place win.

Michael said, “It was either first or last. I came here this year to win.”

And he did just that, avenge his loss to Kieran McDermott by winning the state championship this year. The Lancers also had other great performances with Carson Buck finishing 6th overall with a time of 16:58 and Will Cioffi finishing 9th with a time of 17:12.

Will  Cioffi said,” It was not my best race, but I still got top 10 and that’s pretty cool.”

Cioffi has said many times throughout the cross country season that he longs for indoor track season to start because Cioffi along with Belmaggio, have good shots at winning the mile. For the seniors this is their last cross country state meet. Their emotions were mixed about the final meet.

Ben Dill said, “I’m sad that high school cross country is over, but for me, I’m also kinda glad that I never have to run it again.”  The location of the state meet has a reputation for crushing even good runners, and the cold windy weather made the course much more difficult.

Another emotional moment for the runners was when recent graduates Clay Buckman, Jeremy Carter, and Spencer Askine back to cheer on the team.

Seniors graduating from cross country include Belmaggio, Cioffi, Gunnar Ecklund, Ben Dill, Allejah Seraton, Ben Rose, Sean Berlew, Austin Wilhelm and  Bryce Witmer. The banquet is November 15.