When it comes to being excited for the high school cross country season, it’s ready, set, go for St. Mary’s coach Tristan Smith and Bishop Fenwick’s Fred Doyle, who look to take their Catholic Central League programs to the finish line.

Smith said he’s “very excited,” but remained honest about his expectations.

“I’m not afraid to say it, but we’re definitely in a rebuilding year,” he said. 

Three of St. Mary’s top boys graduated this past spring, as well as a handful of varsity girls. The young Spartans move forward with just two seniors.

“[It’s about] instilling positive habits and doing the right thing, whether it’s training or doing your classwork,” Smith said. 

Tenth-grader Kelsey Kwiatek – who has been a part of the program since 6th grade – returns as a top runner. Her brother, Kyle, was one of the top runners in Massachusetts last fall, but now represents Stonehill College at the Division 1 level. 

Then, there’s freshman Nina Lopes, who completed a long summer and attended a running camp. Smith described his student-athlete as “the definition of consistency.” 

With captain Derek Tarraza and Kylie Sarlo, Smith also expects sophomore Xavier Paula to take a big leap, alongside two 8th graders in Lucian Paula and Christian Rodriguez.

“They (Paula and Rodriguez) love to push each other and compete,” Smith said. 

Fenwick returns all of its girl runners, with several becoming stronger and more experienced, according to Doyle.

“The confidence is sky high for the girls,” he said. 

For the girls (5-1 last season), their top-three runners will be Julia Davis, Marianna Kay, and Adelaide Sweatman, who is coming off an injury she suffered as a freshman. Sophomore Olivia Rowe has also made an impression and emerged for the Crusaders.

“She (Rowe) has made some big steps forward,” Doyle said.

Caroline Blatchford, a league All-Star last fall, returns as Fenwick’s fifth runner.

That said, it’s a different story for the boys, who are off to a “moderate” start, according to Doyle.

Top runners consist of twins Sam and Doron Appleyard, who have led the way for the past two seasons. They will now be joined by promising freshman Chris Kay, brother of Marianna. 

Newcomer Liam Sullivan looks “very strong,” according to Doyle, as do Nondas Lagonakis and John Reilly, who round out the top five.

Both St. Mary’s and Fenwick take part in Saturday’s league meet at Fenwick High.