A Run Through the Path of PVI Cross Country

A Run Through the Path of PVI Cross Country

by Morgan Roberts '26

In 1983-1984, “ a tradition of excellence” was officially established a St. Paul VI Catholic High School’s Fairfax campus with the creation of the PVI Cross Country team. Now, forty years later at PVI’s new Chantilly campus, the Cross Country team is amazing group of student-athletes who strive for success on and off the course.

Coach Mozingo '99, the new head coach for the 2023 season, was a cross country and track runner at PVI for four years and cocaptain of the team that won the WCAC and Virginia Catholic State Championships. He also ran for Division III Dickinson College and has completed several marathons and ultramarathons. We're gifted and beyond grateful to have him as our leader this season.

Coach Tsoutious, who previously ran cross country in her high school years, joined in coaching PVI Cross Country in 2023. She now currently works in the Spanish department here at Paul VI. Her positive energy is loved by both runners and students both in and out of the classroom. We could never ask for a better assistant coach!

Fueled by Faith

As a Catholic school, we are devoted towards putting our trust in God’s hands and letting Him guide us through both the race cross country and the race of life. Before every race on the start line, our team always says a Hail Mary, an Our father, a prayer to St. Sebastian the patron saint of runners/sports, and a prayer dedicated to Father Schultz. Praying to God before a race brings peace, strength, and a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to run. We believe God always lifts us up and gives us the ability to run every race.

Varsity boys at Monroe Park. Photo credit: Mrs. Kiernan

The Mental and Physical Challenges of Running

All cross country runners aspire to achieve validation in their sport. It's a common factor as they all desire to win and achieve their goals. However, runners often feel nervous before a race due to the pressure of performing well and meeting their expectations and only a very small handful of runners meet their expectations in a race. As for the rest, anything can happen from falling to throwing up mid-race. Cross country is not only a physically challenging sport, but also a mentally challenging sport. Waking up early every day, going to school, attending clubs, taking tests, and putting in 100% effort every day can be one of the most difficult things a high school student can experience. While this can be nerve-wracking and painful, PVI’s coaches and athletic trainers prioritize runner safety and provide support for injuries. Despite the stress it may add to a young high schooler’s life, runners still love it. The feeling a runner experiences when finally conquering the ability to run without stopping is a lifechanging milestone.

Overall Achievements for the Season:

Woodberry Forest Invitational (Woodberry Forest, VA)

JV Boys placed 5th/18 teams

Monroe Parker Invitational (Burke, VA)

Girls placed 4th/8 teams

Virginia Catholic State Championship (Lorton, VA)

Varsity Boys placed 5th/11 teams

Varsity Girls placed 3rd/11 teams

WCAC Championship (Washington, DC)

Both Varsity Girls A and Varsity Girls B placed 3rd/5 teams

VISAA Championship (Woodberry Forest, VA)

Girls placed 6th/15 teams

Boys placed 9th/18 teams

“Some

of the glorious outcomes of running are the development of new friendships, reconnecting with nature, physical health, and — best of all — no matter how slow of a runner you are, you are still outrunning everyone on the couch!”

~Morgan Roberts