The Norwalk High Cross Country team wanted to start off the season strong last Tuesday (9/14/21) but was given a very difficult task being matched up against 3 powerhouses within the FCIAC.

Norwalk has a total of 21 runners, 17 boys and 4 girls. That is a huge disadvantage to Norwalk, as in Cross Country only the first 5 runners to cross the finish line get points and when facing teams like Danbury, Darien, and Staples who have 25+ runners in each race, that’s a very hard feat to accomplish.

Too see more images from Norwalks First Meet click down below!

Gallery • 9 Photos

Senior Captain Vandan Patel running full-steam ahead with his teammate, Junior Kyle Mancini right by his side.

Senior Captain Vandan Patel had the highest finish for Norwalk in 18th. Before the race he stated “I’m excited to see the new and returning runners grow and take a liking to a sport that not everyone seeks enjoyment from. It’s especially great to see them go out everyday and practice hard aiming to better themselves and try to surpass some of us veterans much like how I did my freshman year.”

On the other hand in the girls varsity race, Senior Captain Maddie Pare was Norwalks highest finish in 35th. Pare is quoted saying “I feel for this season, the girls team is improving tremendously. I’m just very proud and thrilled to see what else they can do.”

Overall, Norwalk had a strong finishing at their first meet but was overshadowed by the juggernauts of Staples and Danbury. Norwalk was right there with the top runners of both teams but couldn’t pull together any points.

Norwalk’s next meet is in Fairfield on September 28th at Fairfield Warde, where Norwalk will face off against Fairfield Warde, Fairfield Ludlowe, and Stamford High.