“Around the Course’’
What they lack in numbers, the Owls compensate for in enthusiasm
By BOB LEDDY (TAFWA)
R.I. Track & Field Foundation
21 Sept. – – The “Owls’’ are out, and on the trails.
They would be the Owls of the Middlebridge School’s cross country program. The small (72-student) co-ed private school on Ocean Drive in Narragansett is making its debut in the Interscholastic League this fall. Currently, the program consists of only five runners (3 boys, 2 girls), which is not enough to make an official team. But coach Ben Folsom has an energetic group of kids who are willing to learn – and are having fun doing it. The runners do their workouts on trails behind the school campus.
Middlebridge is competing in the league’s Southern Division, along with such formidable teams as North Kingstown, Prout, Westerly, Chariho and South Kingstown. The Owls also entered a couple of runners in the league-opening Injury Fund Relays. This season is, said the coach, a learning experience for everyone
“We’re working to expand our athletic programs,’’ said Folsom, a residential instructor at the school. “We had a running club here the past two or three years. I always had a handful of kids interested in running.’’ Three of the Owls were members of the club team.
Four of the five members of the cross country squad are in-school boarders, said Folsom. One girl – Allie Babineau – is a day student who lives in South Kingstown. The coach called Babineau “a dedicated and consistent. She’s strong, tough-minded.’’ The other female runner is Elodie Broussard. “She’s still learning her ins and outs,’’ Folsom said.
Josh Myers is a senior boarding student who ran in Folsom’s running club last year. “He’s been participating the longest,’’ the coach said. “He’s made the biggest gains.’’
Jon Lamagna and junior Andrew Dean are the other male runners; both are boarders at Middlebridge. Lamagna, said his coach, “has great energy; a great personality.’’ Dean played soccer last year (the Owls compete in the Coastal Prep League). “He decided to run cross country this year,’’ said Folsom.
“I’ve really been impressed with how they handle theselves,’’ coach Folsom said. “[Level of competition] can be overwhelming. But the other teams have been supportive. All I’m concerned with right now is putting smiles on their faces and letting them have fun.’’
Course Note: Folsom is no stranger to distance running. He was a member of the Smithfield High School cross country team in the late 1990s (He graduated in ’99.) He is a Springfield College alum. “I’ve been running my whole life,’’ he said.