The 2025 high school boys cross country season is set to showcase a wealth of talent, with many teams anticipating competitive performances. Among the standout athletes are Paul Bergeron from Westford Academy and his teammate Jack Graffeo, who have made significant impacts in previous seasons. This year, eight All-Stars return to the trails, ready to establish their dominance in their respective leagues.
Notable returning athletes include Jake Leone from Ayer-Shirley, Sahil Gandhi and Shane Leslie from Billerica, and Greyson Duane and Andrew Kosiba from Groton-Dunstable. Other key runners are Sam Tudryn from Innovation Academy, Jimmy Kelly from Lowell, and David Coggiano from Westford Academy. The upcoming season promises to be exciting as these athletes compete for league and state titles.
Ayer-Shirley and Billerica Poised for Success
Ayer-Shirley plans to build on last season’s 6-1 record, driven by juniors Jake Leone and Desmond Brown. Coach Chris Donovan enters his tenth season with a focus on integrating new talent from track and field. He expressed optimism about the team’s potential to qualify for the state championships after narrowly missing out last year.
Billerica’s squad, led by captains Sahil Gandhi and Shane Leslie, is coming off a 7-3 record. Coach Sydney Fitzpatrick is excited to build on last season’s success, which included a historic MVC championship win. The team aims to continue pushing boundaries and seeks to replicate last season’s achievements.
Emerging Teams and Coaches in Chelmsford and Groton-Dunstable
Chelmsford, now under the guidance of new coach Dan Richter, faces a challenge after losing its top five runners to graduation. Despite this setback, Richter is enthusiastic about the potential for younger runners to rise to the occasion, emphasizing team unity and growth.
Meanwhile, Groton-Dunstable enters the season with high expectations after finishing fourth at the state meet in previous years. Captains Ryan Traverse, Tim Yafrate, and Greyson Duane will lead a team that includes promising freshmen. Coach Chris Volante has set ambitious goals, aiming for an undefeated record in dual meets and strong finishes in league and state competitions.
Teams across the region are preparing diligently for the challenges ahead. With a mix of experienced athletes and promising newcomers, the 2025 boys cross country season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Each team is focused on building a strong culture and striving for success in their respective leagues, making this season one to watch closely.
