By Matt Taylor, Contributing Writer
Westborough – After winning two straight Mid-Wach B League titles, the Westborough Boys cross country team has high expectations for the 2011 season. Led by coach Rick Hebert, the league's top runner and captain Brendan Robertson, and co-captains Jon Egan and Andrew Lampi, the Rangers showcase a deep, talented team of runners this year.
Hebert led the team to their first league title in 30 years two years ago, and has built a group that contends for the Mid-Wach B league title every year.
“The first league title was very special,” Hebert said. “We'se been able to build on that success the last two years and draw a lot of great kids to the program.”
Hebert, who is now in his 11th year coaching the team, has run 30 marathons himself, and admires the effort and commitment his team gives every day.
“Some of these kids ran 600 miles each over the summer. They have come into the season in excellent shape, and really put forth the effort in practice.”
Robertson leads the team as the defending conference champion. He also finished in the top 10 at the Division Central Mass. Meet and had strong showing at the All State Meet last year. Returning Egan and Lampi also look to be major factors in the Mid-Wach B League this year. Newcomers this year are juniors Mark Aronson and Brendan Anzures. Seniors Alex Coggins and Farkhod Davrenou round out the top seven.
Egan and Lampi recently spoke about team and personal goals for the season.
“Our team goals are to qualify for the states and to win the league championship,” Lampi said. “Jon, Brendan and I also look to create a sense of unity among our teammates and have fun doing it. My personal goals are to perform consistently, and hopefully break 17 minutes for a 5k run.”
Egan hopes to run in college next year and talked about his role as a team leader.
“The younger members of the team look to us for help,” he said, “and to set the tone in practice and in meets.”
He also hopes to break 17 minutes for a 5k, and help lead his team to a league championship.
The Rangers are off to a good start at 2-1. They swept the top seven places in a recent victory against Hudson, and the top three places in a convincing win at Marlborough. Their lone loss was to league favorite Nashoba.