News Summary

The Newbury Park High School cross country team is gearing up for the RunningLane Cross Country Championships in Huntsville, Alabama. As the top-ranked high school team in the U.S., they aim to make history after an impressive season. The team, led by coach Sean Brosnan, has trained hard, breaking records and earning state titles, and is ready to compete for the prestigious title this weekend. With a strong culture of teamwork and focused preparation, they are set to leave their mark on the national stage.

Newbury Park’s Cross Country Stars Gear Up for National Glory

Huntsville, Alabama, was buzzing with excitement on December 3, 2021, as the Newbury Park High School cross country team descended upon the city, preparing for the much-anticipated RunningLane Cross Country Championships. With their eyes set on the prestigious title, this team wasn’t just any squad—they were the top-ranked high school cross country team in the entire United States.

A Night Before the Big Race

The night before the big event, the team enjoyed a hearty carb-loading dinner at their Airbnb. This traditional pre-race meal is essential for runners, giving them the energy boost they need for their race. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie, as the boys shared stories, laughs, and pumped each other up for the race of a lifetime.

A Historic Championship

The RunningLane Championships has quickly become the new de facto national championship after the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of a long-standing meet in Oregon that used to determine the nation’s best teams. Head coach Sean Brosnan spent five years preparing this team for their moment in history, building a squad that not only runs but runs with heart and grit.

Meet the Stars of the Team

The team’s lineup includes exceptional talents like Colin Sahlman, Aaron Sahlman, Lex Young, and Leo Young, all juniors and seniors bringing incredible skill to the table. Each one of them is capable of being the star runner on any other team in the country, creating fierce competition even among themselves. What’s more, Nico Young, one of their own, has claimed the title of the nation’s top cross-country runner, shining a spotlight on the team’s remarkable achievements.

The Buzz Around Town

This year, Newbury Park made a name for itself in the running community, earning state titles and breaking national records that had the entire sport buzzing. The team’s impressive performances turned them from relatively unknown to rockstars, drawing in crowds of fans and competitors alike, all hoping for autographs and selfies.

Creating a Focused Space

With all the newfound attention, a little preparation went a long way. To create a distraction-free environment, Brosnan and his wife, Tanya, set up two pop-up tents in Huntsville. These tents were crucial in giving the team a place to focus and store their gear, away from the bustling crowds before the race.

Preparing for the Big Day

The day leading up to the race was filled with familiar routines, complete with rope-assisted stretching and practice runs on the course at varying paces. The weather could not have been better, with blue skies and temperatures hovering in the seventies, perfect conditions for the high-energy race ahead.

Aiming High

Throughout the season, the team had their sights set high, aiming for their top five runners to average around 14 minutes and 30 seconds for the 5K distance. However, as they began to shatter records, the bar was raised even higher, with aspirations to push below 14:20. Coach Brosnan shared a race strategy that called for pacing—starting with a fast first mile at 4:30, then kicking into high gear for the second mile, and giving it their all during the final stretch.

A Winning Culture

What truly sets Newbury Park apart is not just the individual talent but the amazing culture of teamwork and improvement that Brosnan has cultivated within the program. This internal belief in their ability to run faster and achieve greatness has led to remarkable success and historical accomplishments. The foundations of hard work, positivity, and commitment are what make this team a force to be reckoned with.

Looking Forward

The Newbury Park cross country team isn’t just running for titles; they are running to create a legacy. As they gear up for the championship, the spirit of unity and the drive to succeed continue to push them toward greatness. With all eyes on them, the stage is set for an unforgettable race.

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