This year's cross country season was definitely one to remember. Seniors Cole Bigger, Cole Goldenbaum and Anthony Zamichieli were able to successfully lead the boys varsity team throughout the season. Despite the setbacks that the Steinert Boys Cross Country Team had to face, they qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 2016. After long weekly practices, multiple injuries and team bonding, the team was greatly relieved to make it farther than they thought they would. 

Once the practices were exclusively for Varsity runners, the coaches toughened up more than they ever had. Mr. Tasco and Mr. Giacobbe applied just the right amount of pressure to push the boys on their way to success. They held track workouts at least twice a week to ensure change. These boys spent hundreds of hours preparing for sectionals so that they could move on to the Group Championships. In total, four-and-a-half months were utilized to help the boys win their spot at states. During all of this training, the team as a whole faced various challenges that came with the gift of success. 

The team’s #1 runner, Anthony Zamichieli saw the worst of it. He was not aware of it at the time, but he ran the race at sectionals with Covid. However, he was still a leader throughout the season, helping the team to finish 5th place at the Mercer County Championships and also  earning another 5th place finish at the NJ Sectional Meet. The other top runners on the team were Max Kostin and Nihar Kolachalama. Amazing work was also put in by sophomore Tyler Hurts, who, despite being injured for two months leading into the championship season, gave the team the huge boost they needed. Tyler worked his way to the team's 2nd ranked spot in just 3 meets!

Junior Max Kostin believes that the team’s greatest strength is their team chemistry. “Everyone on the Varsity Team is super close. We all spent hundreds of hours together training, at pasta parties, and in school.” The bond that this team possesses is the reason they are able to work together and push each other when it’s time to work. Jayden Nollie believes that the team can definitely make it to a higher place of advancement in the future with the right dedication and mindset. They both agree that their team has what it takes to qualify for the Champions meet next year.