The Forest Hills Central cross country team has finished yet another memorable season defined by steady improvement, tight team chemistry, and solid mindset from start to finish. Competing against strong programs throughout the fall, with team leaders in seniors like Jack Monterusso and Lilah Yoder, going to meet after meet, showing that consistency and commitment can carry a team far.
“Our mindset of unity and collectivism played into our success by supporting individual achievement,” Monterusso said. “Even though we didn’t do so well as a team in comparison to other teams, our mindset allowed us to focus on individual improvement, which left us feeling content with the season. “
FHC kicked off the season at the ‘Under the Lights Invite’, where both the boys’ and girls’ squads started well. Coach Schippers’ offseason practices were evident as runners like Jack Monterusso led, placing 31st out of the midnight division and the highest out of the boys at 17:05. Henry Yoder finished at 17:44, and Gabe Slater at 17:53, which rounded out the top three for the boys. The girls had a tone-setting night as well, with Lilah Yoder Placing third with a blazing time of 18:26, followed by Hailey Sieler at 19:40, and Abby Blok at 21:53.
“This group genuinely cared about each other and worked together toward their goals. The encouragement, accountability, and positivity within the team made a huge impact on our consistency and confidence. Another huge strength was their resilience,” Schipper stated. They faced tough weather and challenging courses throughout the season, but the team always responded with grit and determination.”
That performance sparked confidence for a solid season and into their first jamboree event, held at Riverside Park, a stage described as relatively flat and less challenging, which became apparent and was taken advantage of by the girls’ division, full of team boosts and positivity as they placed well. Lilah Yoder took first with a time of 18:43, and Hailey Sieler took third at 19:27; finishing out the top 3 for the girls was Abby Blok at 21:52. The boys had a solid night with Jack Monterusso placing highest for the boys with a time of 17:36, followed by Mason Benson at 17:44, and Henry Yoder at 17:54.
“As a cross-country runner, team encouragement makes a huge difference during meets. When you’re tired and your legs feel heavy near the end of a race, hearing your teammates cheer you on gives you a second wind,” Yoder said. “Even seeing your teammates cheering along the course or finishing strong ahead of you motivates you to give everything you have. That support builds a sense of unity that helps everyone finish stronger than they would alone.
As the season progressed, the Rangers got up to pace. At the Ok White Conference championships, facing rival programs, the Rangers were ready with their strong team chemistry, delivering one of their best efforts of the year. Lilah Yoder took first with a time of 17:58, followed by Hailey Sieler at 18:44, with two top ten finishes for the girls. The boys had a solid meet as well, led by Gavin O’Meara at 16:27, followed by Jack Monterusso with a time of 16:40, resulting in two top-20 finishes for the boys.
“Our biggest strength as a team this year was our social dynamic,” Monterusso stated. “Everyone on the team is good friends with each other, so this dynamic allows us to keep a positive and healthy attitude.
Beyond race results, one of the team’s biggest strengths this year was its chemistry and culture. Practices were marked by energy and a strong bond, with upperclassmen and coaching in Ryan Schipper setting the standard for the younger runners. Many give thanks to the team’s success to that sense of togetherness, a shared desire to improve and push one another every day.
“From day one, this group showed up with great energy, consistency, and a willingness to work hard. They trusted the process and supported each other every step of the way. We also had strong team chemistry,” Schipper said. “Our athletes encouraged one another, whether it was at practice, during tough workouts, or on race day, which made a huge difference. The leadership from our upperclassmen set the tone, and our younger runners followed that example.”
It wasn’t a season without achievements, though, as we also witnessed some history. Lilah Yoder broke the school record in the 5K, and Hailey Sieler ran the second-fastest freshman time ever, which also ranks her sixth on the all-time FHC cross country list. Gavin O’Meara also broke the 16-minute barrier at MITCA, a huge milestone, taking 1st as well.
In the end, this season was about more than times or trophies; it was about progress. Each race told the story of a team that learned, adapted, and grew closer. For Forest Hills Central cross country, 2025 will be remembered as a season of effort and drive, both carried the Rangers across every finish line.
