On October 13, the LM boys’ cross country team lined up to race in the Central League Championship Meet. Coming into the race, the team had cruised through the regular season, winning every Central League Meet. Despite facing several challenges, including a transition in leadership with a new coach and formidable competition, such as Penncrest, who were ranked tenth in the state, the team was prepared to continue the season’s winning streak in the championship.
When the gun set off, signaling the start of the race, LM’s runners made their break to the front. As the race unfolded, they demonstrated grit and tenacity on a difficult Rose Tree course. Hudson Sherman ’26 showed his determination, achieving a personal best of 17:00 after losing one of his shoes within the first mile. The race was full of other inspiring performances and personal records (PRs), including Nick Mazzeo ’26 and Alex Mazzeo ’26 breaking away from the front pack on the final hill to place first and second with PRs of 15:30 and 15:35, respectively. Alex Goonewardene ’24 had an impressive PR and seventh place finish with a time of 15:51. Sarem Khan ’24 also had a great course PR, placing him 12th at 16:04. Sawyer Friedman-Olshan ’26 ran an incredible PR as well, coming in at 25th overall with a time of 16:46. LM’s final runner, Alex France ’26, also ran well, placing in the top half of the race.
As the runners crossed the finish line, it became clear that the team’s dominant performance gave them an edge over Penncrest and the rest of the Central League teams. When the race came to a close, LM ended with 47 points; they beat Penncrest by ten points, Conestoga, Ridley, and Haverford by nearly fifty points, and the other seven teams in the league by over 100. When asked about the race, first-place-finisher Nick Mazzeo expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It was a great race for LM, and it felt good to win.” With this victory, LM secured their fourth Central League Championship title in the past five years.
Encouraged by their Central League Championship victory, the team continued their training in preparation for the AAA District 1 Championship at Lehigh University. When the moment arrived on October 27, the team was ready to showcase the work they had put in throughout the season. In an impressive outing, LM secured a commendable 2nd place finish with a total of 151 points, losing to Council Rock North by 34. Overall, the team was happy with their performance, as four year varsity runner Sarem Khan stated, “It was a good day for the team and we raced pretty well.”
Despite dropping first place, the LM boys’ cross country team achieved individual glory. Nick Mazzeo ’26, displayed his talent and determination, crossing the finish first overall. His exceptional time of 15:07 not only marked a PR but also earned him the title of second-fastest sophomore in Pennsylvania history. Close on his twin brother’s heels, Alex Mazzeo ’26 delivered another outstanding performance, securing third place overall and a time of 15:13. The Mazzeo brothers’ exceptional results highlight the bright future that lies ahead for the boys’ program.
Heading into States, Goonewardene explains the team had a “primary goal to finish in the top five.” If they were to succeed, this feat would be the best finish in LM history. When the final score was counted at Hershey on November 4, the Aces had done just that—a fifth place finish. Nick Mazzeo finished second, and Goonewardene placed 14th. As is expected with a competition of this magnitude, Goonewardene recalls feeling “a lot of pressure going into this race,” but was proud of accomplishing his personal goal of a top-25 placement. Alex Mazzeo, Khan, and Sherman all also scored in that order.
Throughout the Central League, Districts, and States, the LM boys’ cross country team’s performance was defined by a series of triumphs and stellar performances; It’s been a truly historic season for LMXC, and all signs point to even stronger seasons on the horizon.
