2012 Blue Wave boys cross country captains are (from left) Marshall Huffman, Peter Kreuch, Brian Davey, Andrew Xiong and Sean Lee.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Having established itself as one of the area’s strongest running programs, Blue Wave boys cross country is poised to build upon the successes of last year.
Darien is led by captains Brian Davey, Marshall Huffman, Peter Kreuch, Sean Lee and Andrew Xiong.
“After three strong months of summer training, I feel confident that we will perform as well as last year,” said Davey.
Kreuch added: “We will face many strong teams at both the FCIAC and state levels. The competition will be tough but we are confident in our team’s ability.”
Last year the Wave went undefeated during the regular season, won the Wickham Park Invitational and captured the CIAC Class L Championship.
Darien also set a school record by qualifying for the 77th New England Association High School Cross Country Championship meet. The Blue Wave had an impressive ninth place finish out of 30 teams.
Beginning his 10th season as Darien coach, Tyson Kaczmarek.
“We have a solid group of young athletes,” he said. “I like how they are developing as a team.”
The Wave lost four experienced leaders in last year’s captains, Charlie Baird, Eli Converse, Michael Coe, and Michael Johnston.
But this year’s captains are already showing an equal level of dedication and the team has developed significant depth.
“While we lost four outstanding seniors to graduation, our expectations for this year are very high,” said Lee. “A lot of the younger runners have improved dramatically over the past year, and I can’t wait to see the results of their hard work.”
The season opener takes place 4 p.m. Sept. 11 at Ridgefield High where the Blue Wave will compete against Ridgefield, Fairfield Warde and Stamford.
The team’s key events this season include the Wilton Invitational on Sept. 15, the Wickham Park Invitational on Oct. 6 and the FCIAC Championships on Oct. 18.
