BHSEC Raptors Wrap Up Their Season

Darya Foroohar, ‘20

November 2019

A chill wind swept over Prospect Park as the starting line began to fill with runners fidgeting with anticipation. Tuesdays like these were common during the cross country season, which runs from September to early November, but as the clock approached the start time of 4:15, something seemed off: none of the officials had motioned for the runners to get ready, and many girls’ teams, which usually ran after the boys, were also lining up. The co-ed meets usually meant that BHSEC’s runners could cheer each other on, but, much to the surprise of the runners, Public School Athletic League (PSAL) officials announced that boys and girls would be running together, at the same time. Bard’s girls, not realizing this until it was almost time to run, didn’t get a chance to warm up, but the shock only added to the adrenaline, as most of them PRed that day, along with the boys. 

The unorthodox spirit of this meet characterized much of Bard Manhattan’s 2019 cross country season, which was filled with surprises. The team came into the season with a determination that carried them through intense practices, stressful meets, and painful injuries. Students of all grades gathered, both in East River Park and on the XC course, to train, push each other, and (though some will deny it) to guarantee  athletic P.E. Meets were held in both Prospect Park and Van Cortlandt Park, the latter of which is known for its notorious hills. In order to get in shape for these tough races, the team had to prepare both mentally and physically, with mandatory practices 5 days a week. Coach Miller, who is on his second year with the team, made sure that there was no slacking off, even when he couldn’t be physically present at practices.

The girls’ team enjoyed many successful meets, with times that made it into the school’s top 10; the loss of last year’s runners only motivated them to work harder this year. Led by captains Darya Foroohar (Y2) and Ella Crowther (Y1), the team performed well in meets big and small, with athletes gaining medals and PRs not only in the Grand Prix, but in larger meets such as Manhattan Championships and the Marty Lewis Borough Challenge. The captains, as well as Charlotte Lang (Y1) took home medals in the 5k race, while new freshmen Angelica Feliciano, Ibn Casinillo, Sabikun Sinn, and Isabella Villanueva all placed in the freshmen’s 1.5 mile race. The team’s new runners show a lot of promise and, while at first struggling with the intense workouts and practice schedule, became a vital part of the team and will hopefully come back as mentors next year. The team’s upperclassmen also showed a lot of growth, with Y2 Esther Onwunta and Y1 Ella Roundy also shaving minutes off their times. All the team’s members were able to warm up and practice together, regardless of their experience, which created a strong sense of community among them. While the team is losing seniors Foroohar, Onwunta, Bella Drucker, Ophelia Lam, and Hannah Zhao, it is in good hands for next year; its underclassmen runners are more than capable of being next year’s trailblazers.

Credit: Mr. Miller

Bard’s boys also did very well this season, breaking school records, getting PRs, and winning medals. Some notable performances include Miles Danielski’s (10th) school record in the 2.5 mile race at the Freshman/Sophomore City Championships (he placed 8th overall), Evan Farley’s (Y2) top finish among Manhattan Boys in the Marty Lewis Borough Challenge (he placed 10th overall), and Isaac Rosenthal’s (9th) 14th place finish at the Freshman/Sophomore City Championships (the second fastest in school history). Many of the team’s other runners also dropped time over the course of the season, although the entire team suffered the loss of key runners due to injury and outside circumstances. With the leadership of captains Farley and Jonah Bernstein-Schalet (Y2), as well as Mr. Miller’s encouragement, the team made a strong showing at its races, with many of its runners consistently medaling. Its freshmen jumped right into the intensity of the season and helped to lower the team’s average time while increasing its morale.

Unfortunately, neither team made it to city championships after a disappointing manhattan championship race. Battling injuries, nerves, and dehydration, many of the team’s athletes ran races that were “painful to watch,” according to Coach Miller. Some athletes did PR that day, but it was not enough to pull the team into city qualifications. In the end, the boys’ team came in 5th place, while the girls’ team came in 8th. While the team faced a drop in morale after the race, it ultimately brought them closer together, and they were able to enjoy the last moments of the season knowing that overall, everyone had improved as a runner and a teammate. As Miles Danielski (9th) said afterwards, “It’s moments like these that are what make us a team.”