Dara Kagan ’27
After two and a half months of training — running in the rain, cold, and heat — the Berman Cross Country team ran their final meet of the 2024 season. On November 7, the team arrived early at the meet location, giving them time to walk through the course and familiarize themselves with the challenges ahead. The course, located on a large equestrian facility with a few sharp turns and a steep downhill, was unlike anything the runners had raced on before, but the team was ready. “I was super nervous at first, but once I started running I knew I would do good. It was a tough course, but in the end I was happy with my results,” said Jack Drexler ’27.
As the clock ticked down to race time, the atmosphere was a mix of nerves and excitement. The Boys’ Varsity race kicked off at 1:30 p.m., followed by the Girls’ Varsity. After both varsity races wrapped up, it was time for the JV race, where boys and girls raced together. Throughout the season, Coach Margulies emphasized the importance of consistent effort and dedication, often reminding the team that if they showed up to practice and put in the work, the results would follow. That was the case for the state championship. Despite the pressure, the team had an impressive performance, with 16 personal records (PRs) set across the group, a testament to the hard work put in throughout the season. Throughout the course Coach Green and Coach Margulies were taking videos, cheering the runners on, and telling them to push through.
When everyone finished the race, the team ended the season with a party celebrating all the accomplishments that took place during the year.
