Governor's Teams
Athletics at The Governor’s Academy is about outstanding performance- as our championship titles, college NCAA scholarship players, and world competitors will attest- but it is also about character.
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Team Profile
Cross Country - Boys Varsity
New England Champions: 2012
Governor’s Boys Cross Country prides itself on the phrase, "Do your best. Be your best," knowing that each individual member’s success contributes to the team’s overall achievement. Varsity and Junior Varsity athletes challenge each other daily on runs on campus trails, North Shore parks, and Plum Island beaches. Regardless of their ability, runners at Governor’s receive individualized attention and personalized training plans to enhance their endurance and speed abilities. On the day before each meet, runners calm their nerves by setting goals, talking strategy, and reviewing the course ahead. From the most seasoned sprinter with college aspirations to the rookie runner eager to try a new sport, Governor’s Boys Cross Country is a close-knit team ready to welcome any new student-athlete to their fall family.
To prepare for the fall, 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, athletes are encouraged to attend a summer running camp together in August. An on-campus preseason in early September includes twice-daily workouts, popcorn parties, running videos, beach runs, advice from famous runners, and surprise outings.
The boys and girls teams often train together to create a supportive and inclusive team atmosphere. Each runner sets personal and team goals for the season with the coaching staff providing as much guidance as possible. Instruction emphasizes building toward a peak for the two championship meets in November–ISLs and New Englands. Training involves a methodical progression with varied styles and locations for workouts focused on fun. Quality of training is more important than quantity, and we run on natural surfaces as much as possible, both on- and off-campus. Teammates bond throughout the season’s daily workouts, team dinners, and travel. Captains take great pride in carrying on team traditions throughout the fall including a trip to Cider Hill Farm. For the past thirty years, Governor’s runners have visited the local apple orchard in Amesbury to conquer the season’s most challenging hill training session and celebrate their success with fresh apple cider doughnuts.
Being a member of this program requires a strong commitment to hard work and discipline. The rewards are a positive team experience, increased self-confidence, motivation, self-discipline, and the opportunity to accomplish the unknown.
For more information, please reach out to Head Coach Jeff Kelly
Coaches
Coach Profiles
Head Coach: Jeff Kelly ‘85
In his twenty-third season of coaching cross country, Jeff Kelly returned to his alma mater as a Latin teacher, yearbook advisor, and dorm parent. He inherited a healthy cohort of runners and a strong reputation of success within the ISL. Kelly’s favorite part of coaching is building relationships with his athletes and supporting their progress through the cross-country season. He values Governor’s traditions and takes pride in building a program that will hopefully be a highlight of his runners’ high school experience. In addition to being a lifetime runner, Kelly enjoys gardening, yard work, and ample outdoor time with his dogs.
Assistant Coach: Jamie Brayshaw
An avid trail runner, Jamie Brayshaw is dedicated to each runner’s progress and growth. He enjoys racing across the mountains of New England and recognizes the importance of thoroughly executing the details of race management. Brayshaw teaches mathematics, is a dorm parent, and advises the Mathematics Club at Governor’s.
Assistant Coach: Cheryle St. Onge
Assistant Coach: Harry Bachrach
