New Paltz, NY - Earlier this month, we ventured out to the New Paltz Running Camp, to catch up with one of the top girls programs in the state. Last year, they had the distinction of missing out on a states bid via a tie-breaker at Sectionals, then rebounding two weeks later to toppple Saratoga at the Federation meet. Only graduating one athlete from that squad, John Jay - Cross River looks forward to another season of battling it out in the State of New York.
In part one, we catch up with the teams captains. Kathryn Nohilly (Center, So), Izzy Page (Right, Sr), and Cristina Treyz (Left, Sr)
In part two, we catch up with Coach Tommy Nohilly of the John Jay-Cross River girls team. Click the next button below to reveal.
MIleSplit NY - What was it like winning Feds last year, after coming into the season without high expectations?
Kathryn Nohilly - It was exciting to be there with all the different teams. Heading in, we thought we would have taken second, third at best.
MNY - Everyone knew Section 1 was going to be competitive. When did you feel your team really emerged?
Izzy Page - After the Coaches Invitational, we realized we can really prove a lot to a lot of people who didn't see us top ranked coming in.
MNY - Last year was only your second year under Coach Nohilly. What has it been like with the change?
Cristina Treyz - In the past, we hadn't even had enough girls on the team to score, so it was really exciting to see some of the younger kids stepping up, and it let us seniors know to step it up.
MNY - How did your success in XC transfer over to the track?
KN - Through Indoor Track, it was definitely rough because we lost Izzy to Colorado, and the cold weather came around. But once it hit outdoors, it all started to come together.
MNY - Izzy, what was the story on the move to Colorado for the year?
IP - I went to a master program called the High Mountain Institute, a leadership program in the wilderness, where we went on trips like a 2 week backpacking expedition through the canyons, and a 10 day period where we made our own houses.
MNY - Cristina, you were JV last year, now you're a senior captain. Talk about that transition
CT - During my past XC season, I always had shin splints, so I couldn't train as well, but now Coach Nohilly has given me some rope stretches and other things, and they've disappeared.
MNY - What's it like running for you dad, as the coach of the team?
KN - It has worked out pretty well. We have clear boundaries that within practice he is a coach, and at home a Dad. However, it is nice to have someone to get advice from out of practice, or at home when I need it.
MNY - As a captain, what differences do you see heading into this year, as opposed to last year?
IP - I think last year, no one had any expectations for us. We are really motivated after what happened last season not making states.
CT - We only lost one senior from last year, so I think we are all really tight, and we can sort of pick up where we left off.
KN - We've also had a lot of competition for that new fifth-man spot. We have four girls now challenging for it. It may actually rotate throughout the season.
MNY - Has your schedule this year changed because of the success from last year?
CT - We're skipping the Bobcat Run this year, so that we can go to Manhattan for the first time. It should be a great meet, but we're even more excited about the carrot cake.