The NWN had the chance to sit down with boys cross country head coach Michael Grossman to discuss the team’s season in progress and their ambitions for the rest of the year.

NWN:  How does the team look this year?

Grossman:We are starting the 2014 season with one of the largest teams in school history. The team is lead by a talented/young pack of runners, most have picked up the sport as Freshmen.

NWN: Who are some of the team’s biggest leaders and contributors this year?

Grossman: Our two Senior Captains, [seniors] Theo Beck and Adrian Vargas, have made the largest impact on mentoring and leading the rest of the team.

NWN: What role do underclassmen play in this year’s varsity team?

Grossman:There are a few sophomore and possibly a freshman that have the ability to run on this year’s varsity team. If they have earned a spot on the top-12 team, we will put our fastest runners on the starting line in November.

NWN: How do you keep runners motivated to get better?

Grossman:We are starting the season undefeated, winning our last two tournaments by a large margin. That success and the satisfaction of winning keeps our boys motivated during this short fall season.

NWN: How has the new school schedule affected the team’s progress this season?

Grossman: The new school schedule worked in our benefit this year. With the IHSA season starting on the second day of school, it allowing our athletes to appropriately adjust to the running/school schedule. It also gave our staff the opportunity to promote the sport to new athletes interested in the sport.

NWN: Is there a meet the team is looking particularly forward to participating in?

Grossman: Niles West is hosting the Pat Savage Invite on October 4, the largest high school xc meet in the country. We are also the host of the IHSA sectional championship, the home field advantage will give our team the chance to qualify to the State Finals.

NWN: Where would you like to finish this season record wise and in the postseason?

Grossman: Our team would like to finish every season with a winning record. As always, we are competing for a CSL championship and the opportunity to qualify to the State Finals.

The boys next meet is away tomorrow, in a meet in which the likes of Waukegan, New Trier, and host Glenbrook South will all compete with Niles West at 4:30 pm.