Boys Varsity Cross Country Team Bounds to Strong Start

The Panthers bounded to the top of the podium in their first two meets of the season. They tallied 52 points to capture the team title at the opening Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) meet on September 17 at Sherwood Island State Park, then followed it up with a championship performance at the Canterbury Invitational on September 20, scoring 39 points.

"The preparation for this season started shortly after the spring season," Masters coach Jack Salisbury said. "After about 10-14 days off of running, our top runners are running every day over the summer. That consistency of just doing the basics every day for a long period of time — combined with their talent and drive — is the reason that they show up on race day confident and ready."

Liam Chappelear ’27 was the standout at the FAA meet, setting a new school record in the 5K with a scorching time of 16:43.9. Chappelear's dedication to his craft in the offseason allowed him to turn in the record-breaking performance, according to Salisbury. 

"That is exactly how Liam has made such impressive jumps over the past year," Salisbury said. "Jamie Milward ’26 and Liam set the culture. Scout Fishkind ’26 and Helen Gimbel ’28 also set the tone in that way on the girls' side."

Chappelear finished third overall at the FAA meet, while Milward placed fourth with a time of 16:52.4. Henry Frasca ’27 (ninth place, 17:17.4), Owen Bull ’26 (12th place, 18:23.0) and Sam Haas ’27 (24th place, 19:40.5) rounded out the top performers for the Panthers. 

At Canterbury, Chappelear (16:53) and Milward (17:00) once again placed first and second, respectively, in the Division 2 race. Bull (18:06) grabbed eighth and Frasca (18:11) came in ninth to give Masters an impressive four finishers inside the top 10. 

Complete boys/girls results for the FAA meet can be found here and the Canterbury meet here. 

"I think the key to capturing the win at the FAA opener was slightly different than at Canterbury," Milward said. "In FAA, the top 15 is very competitive, so while it was great that our top two scored third and fourth place, the winning factor was our fourth runner, Owen Bull, getting 12th, and our fifth, Sam Haas, scoring 24th. At Canterbury, we found success in high placements. Liam and I placing first and second was a significant factor, and Owen and Henry following up with top 10 finishes sealed the deal. So while speed led us to a win at Canterbury, depth was what got us the win at our first FAA meet." 

The Panthers, who will look to extend their winning streak at the second FAA meet of the season on September 30 at Brunswick School, have their sights set on even bigger goals ahead.

"With the way that these first two meets have shaken out, I think that our boys team has a very real shot of winning both FAA and New York Association of Independent Schools [championships] — if we stay consistent," Milward said. "We were in a similar situation last year but fell short due to injury, so my goal for the team this season is for everyone to stay healthy and have the opportunity to run in those championship races. Individually, I just want to have fun running beside my teammates and enjoy my last season of cross country."