As the fall season approaches, the Newark Academy cross country teams are gearing up to showcase their prowess on the course under the leadership of Head Coach Sarah Guelich.
The Newark Academy boys' cross country team enters the season coming off an impressive 6-2 record last year. Last season, the team clinched the Prep Championship for its fourth consecutive year and took home the NA Invitational crown.
Led by their key returners, the Minutemen are poised to build upon their accomplishments. Luka Opacic Rodrigues ‘24 (Second Team All-Super Essex Conference (SEC) American Division and team captain), will provide both skill and leadership. Connor Polen ‘26 (Second Team All-SEC American Division), along with Brody Linenberg ‘25 and Leon Sarkissian ‘25, both All-SEC American Division Honorable Mentions, will contribute to the team's competitive edge. This year's captains for the boys' team include Luka, Ben Schwartz ‘24 and Jayan Shah ‘24.
While the boys' team experienced some major losses with the graduation of Pierce Malloy ‘23 (First Team All-SEC American Division and captain), and captains Silas Epstein ‘23 and Yavan Vyas ‘23, their talented returners and strong leadership will ensure a seamless transition and continued success.
On the other side, the Newark Academy girls' cross country team is eager to make their mark after a challenging previous season.
While the team bids farewell to former captains Lola Cantillon ‘23 and Juliet Bu ‘23, they will rely on key returners Eva Kaykov ‘24 (All-SEC American Division Honorable Mention and captain), Anika Lippke ‘24 (captain) and Allie Singh ‘25 (All-SEC American Division Honorable Mention).
This year, the boys’ squad will again compete in the SEC American Division against Seton Hall Prep, Livingston, Montclair, Verona, Columbia, MKA, Bloomfield, Millburn and Caldwell. The girls will also be in the SEC American Division and will face Montclair, Mount Saint Dominic, Millburn, Livingston, Bloomfield, MKA, Columbia, and Caldwell.
The Minutemen kick off their season on Saturday, September 9 when they host the 46th Annual Bill Blaskopf Newark Academy Invitational.
