Cross Country

The KCD Athletics Department is thrilled to name Bobby Copley '99 as the head cross country coach for the 2012–2013 season. Coach Copley’s first competitive running experience began in sixth grade as a member of KCD’s varsity cross country team during the 92‒93 season. While running cross country for KCD over the next six years, his teams won three regional titles (1995, 1996, and 1997) and captured two Class “A” State runner-up trophies (1996 and 1997). Coach Copley’s high school running career included two 11th place finishes in 1995 and 1996 in the regional competition. For the past two years, Coach Copley has been the assistant varsity coach for KCD’s cross country and track and field teams.

Director of Athletics Tim Green is looking forward to great things from the cross country program. “Coach Copley will do an excellent job leading our cross country team. He is passionate about the sport and he has a deep connection to the program and to our school,” he commented. “He has proven himself over the years as an assistant, and we are fortunate to have him in this new role.”

Coach Copley is holding a meeting for any rising 5th–12th grade student interested in participating in the upcoming fall cross country season. The meeting is Sunday, May 20, from 5–6:00 pm in the Commons. Parents and athletes are invited to attend.

The KCD cross country team is off to a great start this season, which has included many outstanding individual and team performances. Coach Verbon Graves is pleased with his team’s work ethic. “We may be small in size,” he said, “but we are large in aspirations, determination, and effort.”

Junior Parker Head is leading the way for the boys’ team and running the best times of his career. So far this season, Parker has four individual first-place finishes in only five meets. He also achieved a personal best at the St. X Tiger Run with a time of 17:31.00 in the 5000m run.

Another noteworthy individual performance came from seventh grader Emma Baker, who placed second at the DeSales Master Schedule Meet with a personal record of 22:51.00 in the 5000m. Several other runners are well on their way to setting personal records this season as well as accomplishing their personal goals.

The Bearcats have also had team success, with the girls’ team taking first place in the DuPont Manual Master Schedule Meet. Team members contributing to the victory included Kate Zoppoth, Sarah Zappone, Meredith Brown, Emma Baker, Bae Bonnarens, and Amanda Berman.

Looking to build on their early success, the Bearcats are entering a very challenging October schedule with their sights set on a top finish in the Regional Championships in November. The team always appreciates fan support and welcomes all to come out on Saturday mornings to watch them compete.

More photos on Flickr