The varsity cross country team has continued their standout season this weekend by reclaiming the Regional Championship title for the first time since 2021. Three runners placed in the top 6 with a team average time of 19:13 in the Girls 5000 Meter Finals. They were led by freshman Marisa Mantecon, who placed 4th overall with a time of 18:53.
“We had so many positive vibes leading up to the meet and really increased our training while also focusing on just the top 7 girls from the team who were going to compete,” senior captain Daniella Fraga said.
The team’s goal for the season has been focusing on winning regions and potentially states. They spent 11 days during the offseason in Arizona getting ready for the season. They also added two new coaches: Didi Mantecon and Rebecca Michalak. Notably, Michalak is a Lourdes alum and hall-of-fame inductee for cross country.
“It was exciting and a blessing to return to the place where I started it all and be able to coach the best group of girls I could ever ask for,” Michalak said.
Didi Mantecon has also become a beloved coach for the team. She happens to also be the mom of standout freshman runner Marissa Mantecon. Marissa has continued to impress everyone throughout the season, consistently finishing at the top of all her races and leading the team.
“Joining the team as a freshman was so rewarding, and having my mom there as not only my running coach but also as a life coach has just made the season unforgettable,” freshman Marissa Mantecon said.
The team has not only been led by talented and hardworking coaches but also by two senior captains who have paved the way for the team. Daniella Fraga and Kylie Fernandez are both four-year varsity runners and left a lasting impact on the team and the future of cross country at Lourdes.
“I have honestly learned a lot from our team’s captains, Dani Fraga and Kylie Fernandez; they have made the team so connected and reminded us to trust the process and keep going,” Mantecon said.
The team has echoed a motto for the whole season: Do it well or not at all. This comes straight from their chant; they cheer all together, hand in hand, before every race. They hope to bring this same spirit and determination to the State Championship race in Tallahassee this weekend.
