Cross Country Invitational a Big Hit

Canterbury hosted its 51st Cross Country Invitational on September 21, and it was truly an amazing race.

Bradley Bozzuto ’25 was exceptional for the home team, finishing in first place among 88 boys in Division 2 with a time of 16:44. He and Grayson Mengold ’26 (15th place) paced a tremendous team effort for the Saints Boys, who finished 5th overall out of 13 teams in their division under the direction of Head Coach Ahmed Hussein.

“One of my biggest goals as a Saints athlete was to win the Canterbury Invitational, and I feel grateful to have now won it two years in a row," Bradley said. "I have my parents and coaches to thank for that! The team is looking fantastic this year, and we are all extremely motivated to work hard and have a strong season.”

The Girls’ Division 2 team also finished in the top half of their draw with a 6th place finish led by Chloe Carroll ’25 in 12th place out of 98 runners and Juliana Loesche ’25 in 23rd.  But everyone at the Invitational was a big winner, according to Girls’ Cross Country Head Coach Tracy Garcia-LaVigne P ’14, ’16, ’17, ’20, ’23.

“All the teams were overjoyed with their experience. It was a terrific way to start the season,” she said. “I am so grateful for our community. A great many visitors told me how kind and welcoming people were here. It left an indelible impression.”

There were 46 teams from 32 schools in attendance, with 322 competitors running in picture-perfect weather on the hilltop. It was the second year the races were named in honor of two of our most beloved and accomplished coaches—the Tracy Garcia-LaVigne Girls’ Cross Country Invitational and the Walter Burke Boys’ Cross Country Invitational. Walter Burke P ’78, ’79, ’82, ’83 is a member of the Canterbury Athletics Hall of Fame and led the undefeated 1977 Track and Field Team that was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. 

Congratulations to all of the Cross Country student-athletes and coaches—and to the entire Canterbury community for making the invitational such a rewarding event for all involved!

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