Division Favorites – Exeter, Hanover, Hopkinton
Individuals to Watch – Makita Barry (Bedford), Alexis Paterna (Exeter), Gabrielle Bedard (Pinkerton), Maddy Lane & Maisie Emerson (Hopkinton), Erin & Kaitlin O’Shea (Mascenic), Megan Faris (Hanover), Olivia Kavanagh (Oyster River), Madelyn Cook (Oyster River), Elli Englund (Plymouth)
Division 3
With the loss of four seniors to graduation, one might think Hopkinton would be in a rebuilding year, and they’d be half correct. Well out in front of the D3 crowd last year, scoring a low 30 points and beating the rest of the field by 41 points, giving them some breathing room in relation to the other teams behind them. Other teams lost less bodies to matriculation, but in some cases, those losses were critical to their performances last season. Add in a few good new freshmen and who knows?
However when you have the two time champion in Maddy Lane and now sophomore Maisie Emerson who finished 6th overall as a freshman, that’s a pretty good starting point. The Hawks always seem to have more depth than other D3 schools, not to mention they will be getting the services of two top ten middle school girls in Gwyneth Buelte (2nd) and Hannah Clarner (6th) to the mix. Add in a few more top 40 girls from middle school along with your returners, and some of the best coaching in the division and I expect the Hawks to be riding the thermals once again.
Behind Hopkinton there should be a mad scramble for the top five qualifying spots to make it to Meet of Champions and the coveted runner up spot. On paper that looks to be the Bears from Bristol, Newfound, as they return their top four and six of their top seven. However their two time All Star in senior Emerald Briggs had to sit out the spring season due to an ankle injury, and the last I knew rehabilitation has been slow. With her in the lineup, along with other seniors Ceili Irving, Addie Alpers and Reece Cutting, and sophomores Charlotte Kaempfer and Sophie Garlick-Drake, Newfound should be looking to claw their way to the top of the division.
Speaking of runner up, last year’s 2nd place team, Gilford, took a big hit to graduation, losing four of their starting seven. However it seems the Golden Eagles also have a lot of depth of late and should be able to reload fairly quickly. Led by senior Maria Tilley, who had a breakout season this spring, and supported by senior Athena Booth and sophomore Tess Eckhardt, I feel the Golden Eagles will be circling the heights looking for a MOC berth.
Another team that took a hit by graduation is Newmarket, having lost their #1 and All Star Eilis McKenna, however they return everyone else. However they only ran six at divisionals, meaning they only return five for this season. If the Mules are going to do some damage, they will need to lean on seniors Magnolia Redmond and Harmony Patrick, and a sophomore cast of Rhiannon Lewis, Sahalie Redmond and Naomi Powell. Any of these girls catch fire and the Mules can challenge for those top five spots.
Behind these four there are four teams that lost no one from their top five and could find themselves in the hunt for a top five spot, last year’s #9 in Campbell, #11 in Holy Family, #13 in Kearsarge and #16 in Winnisquam. Winnisquam gets the biggest boost from incoming talent, with middle school champ Eloise Abbott and #5 Addison Fowler. Chances are these two will lead the team composed of Natalie Wolfe, Bella Dalzell, Penelope Sprague, Elise Langevin and Ariana Maxwell. We’ll see if it bears witness that these Bears can garner a top five spot.
Campbell will be headed by senior Brianna Flanagan and sophomore Calliegh Duncan. With a supporting cast of Kate Silver, Rylie Lemire and Julia Berry, the Scopelites coached Cougars have been getting better and better, witnessed by their return to the distance events this past spring in track. I would not count these cats out.
Holy Family and Kearsarge are the other two teams without a loss at all to their returning lineup. Holy Family is fronted by freshman Maria Williams and Kearsarge with sophomores Anna Lizotte and Daphne Henrichsen. These young teams have a shot at a top five spot.
Other teams to consider should be Sanborn #5, Belmont #6 and #7 Prospect Mountain. While none of these teams are standout, their returners group well and if they get any additional talent they could be in the running for a top five berth.
In the driver’s seat individually is two time division champion Maddy Lane. Behind her I’d expect Erin and Kaitlin O’Shea of Mascenic, Tilley, Emerson and Briggs fighting for top five spots. Looking to round out the top ten should be Sanborn’s Kaitlyn Stocker, Derryfield’s Anna Fazelat, Raymond’s Leah Unger, Moultonborough’s Hailey Watts, Hinsdale’s Gemma Doty, Irving, Monadnock’s Emma Short, Magnolia Redmond and PCA’s Elizabeth Stewart. And do not discount incoming freshmen Abbott, Buelte, Addison Fowler, Clarner, Bartlett, and Conkling.
-Mike Smith
Division 2
The Hanover-Oyster River D2 state championship seesaw battle continued in 2024 as Hanover took home the D2 title. The 2 schools have alternated as champions since 2021, so it would seem 2025 would be Oyster River’s turn again, if you believe in that sort of thing. On paper however, the Bears from the Connecticut River Valley seem to be the favorites. They return their entire top 7 from the 2024 championship team while the Bobcats had 2 of the best in NH History matriculate onto college. Hanover has the top returner in Megan Faris. Matter of fact their entire top 5, Faris (sr), Lea Perreard (sr), Aria Deeb (jr), Millie Larrick (sr), and Alice Bell (jr) are among D2’s top 10 returning. Hanover seemed to continually get stronger as the season progressed last year which found them as the Granite State’s top team in the final rankings. Throw in potential freshmen Lena Scavone and Lila Marchetti and Hanover has unparalleled depth.
While returning runners from the 2024 D2 meet does give Hanover the edge, Oyster River does boast a potentially powerful top 5. While Haley Kavanagh and Mackenzie Cook both graduated, both families have strong representation as Olivia Kavanagh and Madelyn Cook will indeed lead the Bobcat charge. Olivia had a phenomenal freshman campaign and is D2’s #2 returner while Maddy Cook progressively got stronger all year improving over the course of the XC, Indoor and Outdoor Track seasons. You will also notice Jahrie Houle is among the top 15 returners as well. That is a strong three for sure but then the Bobcats will also herald the return of juniors Neely Roy and Haley Bezanson. These 2 experienced juniors makes them instant contenders to Hanover once again. Yes, the fans of NH Cross Country are in for another great season with these 2 programs.
On paper, there seems to be a gap to a handful of teams battling for a top 5 auto qualifying spot to Meet of Champions. As with every year, these spots will certainly be determined by new faces. One school which seemingly continues to build in recent years is Plymouth. They are led by the #4 returner, Elli Englund, and once again finds themselves in the mix for an MOC berth. Along with returning runners Abigail Furlan (soph) and Claire Gervez (jr), Plymouth demonstrates nice pack and/or partner running in races. They will have to find a 4 and a 5 to truly take advantage of the low stick Englund provides to send them to the MOCs.
We never count out Souhegan. Led by #10 returner, Samantha Swanbon, the Sabers are always in the mix. They also return Madelyn Mooney and have a rising freshman, Brynn Siska who ran under 2:30 for the 800 at this past spring’s Middle School MOC. A team with great potential has to be Hollis/Brookline as they return much of their top 7. Led by Mae Butler (jr), if the Cavaliers continue to improve, they will certainly be in the mix for a MOC berth. Led by the Hanna sisters, Lebanon looks like a strong contender for MOCs heading into the 2025 season. Senior leader Annelies is among the top 10 returners for D2 while younger sister Olivia was in the 22s at Derryfield last October. After these relative newcomers to the MOC conversation we look to a traditional MOC attendees. Coe-Brown, led by D2 #13 returner Annabelle Lovett (jr) as well as sophomore Eloise Hill and senior Meredith Kerivan, will have an influx of freshmen who all finished in the top 10 of their respective middle school state meets last year.
Individuals:
On the individual side of things, we have been spoiled in D2 for a long time and although their is no defending champ this year, expect a battle up front which could determine team supremacy. No doubt Hanover’s Faris is the favorite heading into the campaign. She is such a strong runner and seems to ascend the hillier courses get, loving cross country. Don’t be surprised if another Kavanagh and/or Cook are flanking her as Olivia Kavanagh and Madelyn Cook will be looking to build off their ’24 success. The front pack will also include Plymouth’s Englund, Hanover’s Perreard, Deeb, Larrick or Bell either. Do not discount names like Roy, Bezanson (and leave an open mind for a newcomer to join them) as they all have the potential to factor into the D2 bragging rights at Derryfield Park in October!
-Tim Cox
Division 1: Exeter and Pinkerton Battle for the Title
Get ready for another chapter in a budding rivalry this cross country season! The 2025 Division One Championships are shaping up to be a replay of last year’s nail-biter, with Exeter and Pinkerton Academy once again poised to fight for the top spot. Last year, Pinkerton took home the championship by a single point, a testament to how close these two powerhouses are. The rivalry continued throughout the season, with Exeter getting the edge at the Meet of Champions, only for Pinkerton to be the top D1 finisher at New Englands (12 place).
As of now it seems like no other teams will be able to compete with the top two since they could have eight of the top spots. While the race will be tight, the preseason nod goes to Exeter.
Exeter returns its entire runner-up team from 2024. The team is coming off a state-record-breaking performance in the 4×800 relay this spring, and their momentum is high. They’re led by four strong juniors who could all land in the top 10. Alexis Paterna, the second-highest D1 returner, is expected to lead the team, but she’ll have company from her sister Brianna Paterna, Molly Kells, and Eli Cross, who are all top-10 threats. Exeter’s fifth runner, Madeline Ralabate, ran a 22:07 last year making a strong scoring five.
Not to be outdone, Pinkerton Academy also has four potential top-10 finishers. Their leader, Gabrielle Bedard, is aiming for a top-three finish, and she’ll be supported by Parker Knowlton, Kalisan Marzolf, and Sookie Folsom. The battle for the title will likely be decided by these eight runners. Pinkerton’s final scoring runner, Abigail Stienecker, ran a 22:10 last year, putting her right on par with Exeter’s fifth runner. With some talented freshmen possibly joining the team, Pinkerton could make this an even more interesting race.
Bedford is in a strong position to repeat as the third-place team. They only graduated their sixth runner from last year’s young squad. They’ll be led by last year’s runner of the year, senior Makita Barry, who is the favorite to win the individual title. Senior Raissa Caridade, junior Meredith Matson and sophomore Nora Buxton give them a strong top four potentially under 23:00 at the difficult Derryfield course. However, they will need a newcomer or veteran to step up to complete the scoring five.
Bishop Guertin looks to improve on their sixth-place finish from 2024. Despite graduating their number one runner, they’ve added two talented young runners: freshman Zoe Coler and sophomore transfer Jaylyn Paul. Along with returning senior leader Lyla Masson, Bishop Guertin should have a very strong front three. Senior Anna Sinclair and sophomore Shannon Forsyth add strong depth and gives them a good chance at a top four finish.
The fifth and final automatic qualifying spot for the Meet of Champions will likely come down to Londonderry, Windham, and Nashua North. All three teams graduated their number one runners but have good groups returning. Londonderry gets the initial nod after missing out on a MOC spot by just one point last year. They’ll be led by sophomore Anna Laufersweiler, who hopes to break the top 15. Add sophomore Stella Dutton and senior Drewanne Sherman and they have a strong top three potentially in the top 30. However, Windham’s Natalie Rogers and Nashua North’s Rosalie Neveu are both strong frontrunners aiming for a top-10 spot. Windham’s sophomore Hazel Perks and senior Anna Hartman give Windham a top three just off Londonderry. North’s juniors Claire Hathaway-Rube and Charlotte Wilson will be rounding out their top three hoping to lead them to the MOC.
Whichever of the previous teams don’t get the automatic 5th spot, they will be in a good position for the at large Meet of Champions bid.
Often that final qualifying spot would come from the seventh and eighth place teams in D1 so look for Keene, Dover and Concord to be fighting to keep their season going. Keene is led by junior Abigail Pinegar and sophomore Addie Wichland both hoping for a top ten spot. Dover has strength up front with junior Lily Fiorenza and Concord is led by junior top ten potential Quinn Doherty. How far these teams can move up the ranks will depend on their incoming athletes and how their summer training has gone. Don’t rule them out as they are often amongst the top teams in Division One.
Individually Barry from Bedford is the clear favorite for the individual title. She won the Division One Championships and the Meet of Champions last year and was the top finisher from New Hampshire at the New England championships, finishing third. The battle for the rest of the top five will be exciting to watch, with Exeter’s Paterna sisters and Cross, and Pinkerton’s Bedard, Folsom, and Knowlton all vying for a spot. Fighting to get in to the top ten will be Exeter’s Kells, Pinkerton’s Marzolf, Keene’s Pinegar and Wichland and Concord’s Doherty.
-Amy Sanborn
MOCs
Ok. Yearly disclaimer regarding the difficulty of prognosticating the Meet of Champions in August. This year is no different, but should have the same players involved. Oyster River is the 2-time defending champion while Hanover took runner-up honors both years as well. Hanover cut the point differential from 20 down to 3 last year and should be considered the slight favorite over OR as they are in for D2s based on the aforementioned depth and experience. Keep in mind however MOCs is a much different race than Divisionals. Low-sticks have even more of an impact at the MOCs. Whichever team can crowd the top 20-25 with a couple in the top 10 is certainly tough to beat. Both Hanover with Faris and company, and OR with Kavanagh, Cook and gang, have that firepower.
With that said we cannot overlook Exeter as a potential favorite to take the whole thing. Their distance squad had a historical season last spring culminating with the state record in the 4×800. Alexis Paterna established herself as one of the best distance runners in New England with incredible range. Don’t sleep on the rest of the Blue Hawks as they made jumps as well. Important will be to see how spring’s success translates to cross country. As described in the d1 preview, Pinkerton has to be considered in the top 4 as well. Led by an experienced and fast returning cast led by Bedard, do not be surprised if the Trail Blazers become huge contenders as well.
As stated before the value of a low stick cannot overlooked. Just so happens the top 2 returning individuals are on strong teams as well. Let’s begin with Maddy Lane and Hopkinton. The D3 powerhouse also has a national class runner in Lane who will contend for the individual win. Throw in their depth, led by Maisie Emerson, and the potential to have another harrier or two to crack the top 20, they should be able to punch their ticket to Thetford as well.
Remember the top 6 make it to New Englands hosted by Vermont’s Thetford Academy this year. With defending champ Mikita Barry fronting their squad, expect Bedford to be in the mix to qualify again this year. Depending on new faces, top 6 may be a conservative goal for this team. Finally do not overlook Bishop Guertin. They have a nice pack and with a few potential newcomers, could have a realistic shot at qualifying as well.
Individually, we should all be thankful the top 2 from 2024 return. Defending champ Mikita Barry won by less than 4 seconds over D3 champ Maddy Lane last year. Both Barry and Lane improved over indoor and outdoor track (even though Barry played lax, did you see what she did at New Balance Nationals?!?!?). We have 2 national class racers going head to head this year. Awesome! With that said do not discount other harriers from the 603. Top 25 make it to New Englands as well. Don’t be shocked if Exeter’s Alexis Paterna takes a big “swing” at snatching the MOC title. She has demonstrated the skill set necessary to win. The chase pack should be comprised of names like Hanover’s Faris, Plymouth’s Englund, Oyster River’s Kavanagh and Cook. As always, depend on a new name making the jump to the front pack. Could it be a name like Deeb, Cross, Perreard? We will see! Love NH Cross Country!
Good luck to all!!!
