ANSONIA-DERBY — Derby High School and Emmett O’Brien Tech are joining forces with the creation of a co-op girls’ cross country team this fall. Any girl from either school who enjoys running and would like to join the team, including incoming freshmen, should contact Coach Joe “Muz” Musante at jmusante@derbyps.org.
The first day of practice is Monday, Aug. 24 from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Ryan Field track in Derby. This includes both the Derby-Emmett girls’ cross country team, and the Derby-only boys’ cross country team. All athletes must be signed up on Final Forms. https://derby-ct.finalforms.com
“While previous experience with distance running is a plus, it is not required,” Musante said. “In some cases, student-athletes are looking to get in shape for a winter sport, and cross country is a great way to do that. It’s also a great way to make friends with a closely-knit group of kids who support one another.”
The DHS Girls’ Cross Country Team has enjoyed tremendous success throughout its history, compiling a winning season in each of the last five years, and in 12 of the last 13 years. In fact, the girls placed 5th in the Naugatuck Valley League and 7th in Class S last year.
But Musante said numbers are challenging in a small school like Derby, and Emmett has not had a cross country program in many years. As a result, a proposal to create a co-op program was submitted to the CIAC and approved in May.