In recognition of the contributions our graduating seniors have made to our athletic programs, we offer these tributes from our coaches and some of our upper mids on each varsity team:

Felix Bao -- Felix has been with the cross country program for four years. I also had the opportunity to watch him run with Nick and others on the mythical red clay in Iten, Kenya when our school took a trip there in the summer of 2018.  How do you solve the conundrum of leading a team when you are on the opposite side of the globe?  Predictably, Felix found a way by uniting the team. He helped design a summer plan which involved adding all the mileage of the summer miles of the team to beat the challenge of running across the country. He welcomed some new runners to the team with his constant communication. We are so thankful for all his contributions and his deduction to our team. Even though Felix was not able to join us in the fall due to travel restrictions, his presence was and continues to be felt. (Head Coach Pierre Yoo)

Campbell Herring -- Few runners I have worked with eat, drink, and dream about running as Campbell does.  He cares intensely about the cross country team and dedicated so much effort to be a stronger runner.  From 2017-2019, The Hotchkiss School encountered unprecedented success by earning a spot on the NEPSTA Division I medal podium for three consecutive years (only one of two teams who accomplished this), only Campbell Herring and former captain Kostia Howard ‘20 were only members of all three teams.  I will remember seeing one of the guttiest races that I have ever observedat the 2019 NEPSTA Division I Championships at Northfield Mount Hermon when Campbell just willed himself to compete.  Despite this unusual non-competitive season, I would like to thank Campbell for his leadership and dedication to our team. (Yoo)

Kush Banker -- After experiencing other activities during his prep and lower mid years, Kush made the decision to join our cross country team during the fall of his upper mid year.  We benefited immensely from this presence.  Kush gave me joy watching him enjoy running on our stunning campus with his friends. He also worked hard to improve. We congratulate him for breaking 20 minutes with a 19:58 at the 2019 NEPSTA JV race at Northfield Mount Hermon.  Although I missed seeing his enjoyment in running while he was a remote student, his joy continues to have an impact. (Yoo)

Jack Basinet -- In his 36-second recorded senior speech, Jack in a dress jacket stared at the camera and shared the message, “Run fast, boys.” Jack did live up to this mantra during his three years with the team.  During his first race as a new lower mid, Jack completed the race at Salisbury School with a time of 26:32.  In his last competive race at the 2019 NEPSTA JV race at Northfield Mount Hermon, Jack cruised to a 66th place finish with a time of 20:20.7. Not only did he bring a strong work ethic each day to practice, he brought his inclusive and warm spirit to us. I am so thankful for Jack because he is the glue that holds teams together. (Yoo)

Blaise Fleury -- There has never been a boring moment with Blaise Fleury.  Although I never quite figured out what type of runner I would get each day, I did know that Blase would bring his flair.  Yes, there were moment that he might have played hide-and-hide (Mr. Yoo will not seek) during some warm-up runs or practices. He also seemed to always have entertaining stories to share. Then there were times, he locked in and just ran.  In arguably the most important race for the team at the 2019 NEPSTA Division I Championships at Northfield Mount Hermon, Blaise just went out, took care of business, and blazed to a fine finish.  He finished in 39th place overall with a time of 18:13 and third place on our team. His placement was instrumental in The Hotchkiss School boys cross country team earning our third consecutive spot on the medal podium with a fourth-place team finish.  I must admit seeing how pleased he was with his performance continues to make me smile.  I want to thank Blaise for choosing our school as a new upper mid and contributing his energy and humor to our team. He has made a considerable impact. (Yoo)

Alex Kovitch -- Alex shows what happens when an individual discovers running.  After spending his prep fall in club soccer, Alex joined our team.  Silently and methodically, he was determined to make our team better. His first race as a lower mid at Salisbury School he ran a 24:43.  By the end of his upper mid year, he ran an 18:57.5 at the Founders Championships at Avon Old Farms.  A week later, he lined up as our #7 at the 2019 NEPSTA Division I Championships at Northfield Mount Hermon.  We are so grateful that Alex decided to join our team and share his beautiful stride with us. His example shows what is possible for others. (Yoo)

Ayman Lone -- Everyone needs an Ayman Lone. With him, your team never is never alone because you have the powerful presence of A. Lone.  Although new to the sport as a new upper mid, he came out and had an impact.  He improved more than 2 minutes during the course of that season.  During this unusual season, Ayman continued to give us perspective.  He focused on the team and displayed joy as he came out and ran with his teammates.   I am so thankful that Ayman decided to join our team and grateful for his positive aura. (Yoo)

Nick Romero -- From his first race as prep when he ran a 27:03 at Salisbury School, Nick has been a stalwart on the team.  He is a master wordsmith as he is able to produce puns and has the incredible ability to name almost all of the capitals of the countries in the world.  I also had the opportunity to watch him run with Felix and others on the mythical red clay in Iten, Kenya when our school took a trip there in the summer of 2018. Nick has such an incredible heart for others as he is so inclusive and supportive. I was thoroughly impressed with his work ethic and attitude. His fastest time was 21:30.7 at Loomis on October 6, 2019 during his lower mid year.  He displayed our team mantra, we run for FUN (For Each Other, Unbroken, and Never Quit) because he brought the FUN each day. (Yoo)

Reece Yang -- Let’s start with his first race during his prep year when I got a bit concerned. Reece finished his race at Salisbury School in a time of 27:50. Little did I know how strong a mind that Reece had at the time as he started to change his times. His fastest time at the prep year was 22:26 on our hilly course at Hotchkiss.  A mere two seasons later, Reece broke 20 minutes on Nov. 2 at the Founders League JV race with a time of 19:52.7. Yes, this is a tick below an eight-minute improvement in a short period of time. Although Reece was not able to join our team on campus this past fall, he has been a four-year member of our team. He has displayed what is possible when a mind is strong and a dedication to improve is high. I will be telling the story of Reece Yang to future runners. We were so glad to have Reece Yang on our team. (Yoo)