The 2025 high school boys cross country season is set to kick off with a strong roster of returning talent across multiple teams in the region. Notably, Westford Academy’s standout duo, Paul Bergeron, a sophomore at Stanford University, and his close friend Jack Graffeo, now a freshman at the University of Colorado, have made significant impacts in previous seasons. With eight Sun All-Stars returning, the competition promises to be fierce this fall.
Among the noteworthy returning athletes are Jake Leone (Ayer-Shirley), Sahil Gandhi and Shane Leslie (Billerica), Greyson Duane and Andrew Kosiba (Groton-Dunstable), Sam Tudryn (Innovation Academy), Jimmy Kelly (Lowell), and David Coggiano (Westford Academy). Each runner is considered among the best in their respective leagues and some are even ranked among the state’s top competitors.
Team Highlights and Coaching Changes
The Alvirne team in the NHIAA Division I is looking to improve after a sixth-place finish at last year’s D1 Championships. Captains Sam Matson and Joseph Petrillo, both seniors, will lead a team that includes several returning letterwinners. Coach Phil Demers is optimistic about the combination of returning athletes and new talent, aiming for a qualification to the Meet of Champions.
At Ayer-Shirley, Coach Chris Donovan enters his tenth season, looking to build on a 6-1 record last year. With Jake Leone as captain, the team is focused on returning to the state competition after narrowly missing out last season.
In Billerica, the team is coming off a 7-3 season. Captains Sahil Gandhi and Shane Leslie will guide the team, which is eager to expand on its recent historic MVC championship win, according to Coach Sydney Fitzpatrick.
The Chelmsford team, led by first-year Coach Dan Richter, aims to recover from losing their top five runners to graduation. He expresses enthusiasm for the potential improvements from the younger athletes.
At Dracut, Coach Erik Taber acknowledges the small size of the team but is encouraged by the positive energy and hard work shown by returning athletes.
New Talent and Season Expectations
The Greater Lowell Tech team comes off a successful season with a perfect 6-0 record and multiple championships. Captains Isaiah Gagne and Anthony Beaudoin are excited to see how the team can build on their past achievements despite graduating several strong leaders.
Coach Chris Volante at Groton-Dunstable is looking to maintain their successful run after finishing as league champions last season. With a strong focus on health and the integration of promising new athletes, the team sets its sights on both league and state victories.
Over at Innovation Academy, Coach Deborah Darlington highlights the strength of returning athletes, including two-time league MVP Sam Tudryn, as they aim to improve on last season’s tenth-place finish in divisionals.
Other teams like Lowell, Tewksbury, and Westford Academy are also gearing up for the season, with each coach expressing confidence in their teams’ preparations and potential for the upcoming competitions.
As the season approaches, the enthusiasm among athletes and coaches is palpable. With a mix of experienced runners and promising newcomers, high school boys cross country promises an exciting and competitive season ahead.