On Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 at 4:00 pm, Winslow Township Middle School hosted their first ever Cross Country Meet ever against DeMasi, Kingsway, Runnemede and Our Lady of Good Counsel.
According to Mr.Weppler, Cross Country Coach, the decision to host our first track meet was made based on a few factors.
“We are in a league and all schools take turns hosting. We were put on the schedule by the assignors and then the work began to ensure that the meet here was successful.”
Organizing a Cross Country meet with that many schools must have been difficult but Mr.Weppler believes that it went well as he stated.
“Organizationally the meet was very successful; all league guidelines were reviewed and adhered to. We had some assistance from NJSIAA officials who started and timed the race. We had great support from the High School Boys and girls Cross Country Teams who took positions throughout the course and helped with getting students names as they crossed the finish line and helped keep them on the course,” explained Mr. Weppler.
Mr. Watson, the Middle School Athletic Director, was very helpful in planning the course with Mr. Weppler and Ms. Dickinson, as well as lending a hand the day of. Mr. Scott, the athletic trainer, helped by driving the cart to lead and keep runners on track.
“Clearly it would have been difficult but lucky for WTMS we have a lot of support,” added Mr. Weppler.
“I felt less stressed and that we had a lot more time. Normally, when going to another school we get there, warm up, and run. It was nice to have the time to really focus on the meet,” mentioned Annabella Cassidy, cross country athlete.
With every athletic event, comes challenges.
“Some of the challenges that I faced during the meet is that we had so much extra time we didn’t know what to do. We had about two hours of extra time compared to minutes,” Cassidy exlpains.
So for Winslow Township Middle School our very first Cross Country meet I would say it went very well. And hopefully there will be more meets hosted at the Middle School in the future. And Mr.Weppler seems to agree.
“I do believe we will host more. The organizational work is now completed and a course is mapped out. We know what to expect the day of. All the opponents, coaches and athletes said how much they enjoyed the course and the flow of the meet. They all are welcoming the idea of coming back.”
Great job Winslow let’s give it you’re all!
