The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

The Merionite

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

The Merionite

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

The Merionite

Running it back

A look at the coaching changes over the summer, highlights of certain runners in the team’s first meet, and a look into the future.

It’s a new era for the Boy’s Lower Merion Cross Country team with new Head Coach Neal Berman and assistant Coach Isaac Jennings leading the way. The boys are dialed in and have been training rigorously throughout the summer and the beginning of the school year. Despite the fact that only two of the top five from last year’s district champion squad remain, many people on the team are beginning to step up. Multiple members of the team broke their previous best times in only the first race. Captains Alex Goonewardene ‘24 and Sajan Blum ‘23 looked very strong in the season opener and have shown great leadership as the season has progressed. Captain Andrew Gannon ‘23 has had some impressive showings at practice throughout the past months and he looks to bring in some individual titles this season. Juniors Nate Grunfeld, Ethan Murray, and Alan Chen have been working hard all summer. Many people underestimate the trio, but they are ready to run fast and become vital parts of the team. Freshmen Alex France and Arjay Miller have added more depth to the squad. This upcoming fall season, expect nothing less than more hardware. The post-season begins on October 16th and the team expects to win another Central League Championship. After that, they will take on District One Championships at Lehigh University- a highly competitive meet where many teams look to win the trophy. Last year, LM entered the season ranked 10th in the District, but they finished as champions. Back-to-back District championships is a triumph that the phenoms are very capable of achieving. The boys are a living embodiment of LM Aces, the Pennsylvania rankings keep underestimating them every year, yet they continue to prove themselves in the best possible ways.

Team huddles before their race. Photo courtesy of Sarem Khan ’24

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