Members of the Martha’s Vineyard Middle School Cross Country team participated in the 2015 Massachusetts Middle School seventh annual Cross Country Invitational in Devens, held on Saturday, Nov. 7. The event, sponsored by the Boston Athletic Association, included 2,000 runners from about 200 public and private middle schools across the Commonwealth. Runners competed on a 1.8-mile serpentine course, with numerous steep inclines. Team member Amelia Kyburg-Abbott of West Tisbury placed 29th of approximately 200 fifth and sixth grade girls; Catherine Cherry of Edgartown placed 45th of approximately 250 eighth grade girls; and Henry D’Andrea and Edward Cherry, both of Edgartown, placed in the top 50 percent of 250 sixth grade boys.
The Martha’s Vineyard Middle School Cross Country club meets twice a week at 3:30 pm for about 45 minutes at the field across from the high school track. Coach Reaan Steenkamp, an experienced long distance runner, works with each runner during trail runs to develop an awareness of proper posture, endurance, and pace. Coach Steenkamp hopes to encourage a love for running in young athletes that will continue for years to come.
New runners of all levels are encouraged to join in at any time. If you have any questions, email MVMiddleschoolXCountry@gmail.com.
