Governor's Teams

Recognized as one of the most challenging 5-kilometer courses in New England because of its varying terrain, hills, and turns, The Governor's Academy cross-country course has hosted both league and New England championship meets on many occasions, as well as the Yankee Runner Short Run, held for 17 years. The current course record for high school boys is 16:18, and the current school record is 16:41, set by Andrew Huebner ’06 in 2005.

Since cross-country is really a two-season sport, runners are given a summer training program at the conclusion of the school year in May. In addition to training on their own and with local teammates, runners are also encouraged to attend one of the many summer running camps together in August. An on-campus preseason in early September, by invite only, includes twice daily workouts, popcorn parties, running videos, beach runs, talks by famous runners (Jen Toomey in '07) and surprise outings.

In the regular season, practices are often preceded by a full team meeting (both the boys and girls teams often train together), creating a supportive and fun team atmosphere in which everyone can participate. Coaches help every runner set personal and team goals for the season, providing as much guidance as possible. Instruction emphasizes building toward a peak for the two championship meets in November. A methodical progression, centered on fun, varied workouts (based on current and tried-and-true principles), and personalized workouts, is applied. Quality of training is more important than quantity, and we run on natural surfaces as much as possible, both on- and off-campus. The teams bond throughout the season both during practice and in several activities centered on togetherness and food. Being a member of this program requires the athlete's strong commitment to hard work; the rewards are a positive team experience, increased self-confidence, motivation, self-discipline, and the opportunity to run faster than he thought possible.

In September, October, and November, the Governor's run in seven league dual, tri, or quad meets each Saturday which allows optimum time for training and resting during the week.  The top seven to twelve boys run in the varsity meet every race day. A junior varsity boy moves up to the varsity as soon as he runs faster than the last varsity runner in any given meet. If a team or individual is qualified and so chooses, participation in post-season competition is supported.

Captains - Fall 2022 Luke (Bear) Brooks '23, Ziang (Benzo) Zhou '23
Head Coach Jeff Kelly '85, Assistant Coaches Jamie Brayshaw, Becky Stratton, and Ruth Koenigsbauer.
For more information please feel free to email Head Coach Jeff Kelly.

Course Map

Top Ten times of Govs runners on home course