On Saturday November 22, the Trinity Hall cross country team traveled to Wappinger Falls, New York for the renowned Nike Northeast Regionals Meet. For the first time, Trinity Hall took a group of four girls, Madeline Ferguson ‘26, Steele Summers ‘26, Maria Sofia Vargas Makrinos ‘26, and Katherine Yehl ‘27, to race in the Open and Championship Northeast Girls Race (NXR). Leading up to the event, the girls trained hard throughout the summer and fall to compete to the best of their abilities, extending the season for an additional two weeks.
Steele Summers ‘26 gave her insights on the build up to NXR: “I was so excited to be able to take a team of girls to race at NXR. Training all together through the cold and rough conditions made us stronger, preparing us for a late November race. I am so proud of my teammates for all of our hard work, and it was the perfect way to finish off my last high school cross country season. I will miss this group so much and can't wait to see what they accomplish next year at NXR.”
The Monarchs began their trip on Friday afternoon, arriving at the course for a preview to be prepared for what was to come the next day. On race day, Katherine, Maria Sofia, and Maddie ran in the Open Championship race in the morning, and Steele raced in the Championship race later on that day. Participating in this event was a major accomplishment for the team, taking an exceptional step in the Trinity Hall cross country program.
Maddie Ferguson ‘26 recalls, “NXR was such an amazing experience. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to extend the cross country season and travel with my fellow Monarchs. Running with student-athletes across the Northeast throughout the scenic Bowdoin Park is an experience I will never forget. Being a senior, NXR was the perfect way to end my cross country career.”
Coach Zakaria Rochidi, who led the group through training, was thrilled to get a group of girls to continue into the post-season. Although only his first cross country season at Trinity Hall, Coach Rochidi is already making substantial advances in the cross country program. He hopes to continue this annual tradition as the years progress. Coach Rochidi gave his remarks on the race: “Our team ran their hearts out in rainy and muddy conditions, competing with the very best. The experience racing at NXR is an opportunity we hope to carry forward for all our athletes to enjoy during their time as a Trinity Hall cross country Monarch”