GRAHAMSVILLE – Just a few short weeks ago, the Tri-Valley girls’ cross-country team topped the podium at Queensbury HS as state champions. TV has won ten state championship titles, with six of them coming from girls’ cross-country. Despite being the most winning sport at the school, their last state title win was back in 1993, so this year is extra special to them, sharing matching Section IX Class D titles with the TV boys’ team, and securing the state title in the same season. 

“Tri-Valley school has always had a lot of really strong distance runners, and the cross-country program has always historically done very well,” shared Head Coach Skylar Musa, who went on to say, “I don’t think they realize what they’ve accomplished; I don’t think they realize what they’ve done.” Musa was emotional when she spoke about the team’s major accomplishment this season of being crowned state champions, and their work ethic.

Part of the appeal of TV having such successful cross-country teams is the coaching strategy. “I think this is appealing to kids because we don’t overtrain. I don’t think we would have a lot of kids coming out for the sport. By teaching them that there are hard days and easy days…that type of mindset about training appeals to kids.”

The amount of young talent on the team speaks volumes about the support that these young ladies have for one another other. Each of the team members beamed with pride as they spoke to the Democrat, sharing a little about themselves, season highlights, and goals for the winter season.

Addison Dymond- 8th grade

Fall season highlight- I wanted to beat the 21-minute mark, and I did!

Winter season goal- To make it as a starter on the JV basketball team.

Maria Gelsomino- 8th grade

Fall season highlight- I beat the 20-minute mark at the end of the season.

Winter season goal- To finish with pr’s in the 1,000, 1500, and 3,000 meters in indoor track.

Kenzie Krier- 8th grade

Fall season highlight- I was out most of the season with an injury, but I enjoyed practices and supporting my teammates.

Winter season goal- To improve my times in the 1500 and 3000 meter races.

Mia Murphy- 8th grade

Fall season highlight- being able to improve my times at the end of the season

Winter season goal-Running the 800 and 1500 in my first year on varsity.

Zoey Sullivan- 9th grade

Fall season highlight- At states, when I “came in,” that joy when I found out that we all won; that was the best feeling!

Winter season goal- This year, I want to score 75-100 points this season as a starter on the JV basketball team.

Anna Furman- 11th grade

Fall season highlight- I mean, I’m a state champion! And I pr’d my times from last season by a lot.

Winter season goal- I want to make it on the podium for the 3000 and set records in the mile, 1500 and the 3000 meters races.

Angelina Hinkley- 11th grade

Fall season highlight- I really liked going to Arizona to race, and definitely being state champions!

Winter season goal- To do better in the 600 because I love it, and also try the longer distance events.

Emma Richardson- 12th grade

Fall season highlight-I don’t think anything can really top being state champions, but I liked running in Arizona, and how close our team became this season.

Winter season goal-To get a good time in my races. The 4x800 is my absolute favorite race, and I also like the 600.