WOODBURY — Year after year, race after race, athletes return to tackle the familiar course of the annual Nonnewaug Invitational.
But this isn’t just any ordinary invite.
This year, on Oct. 3, the Nonnewaug cross country team carried on the highly anticipated tradition for the 66th year.
“It’s crazy to me that it has been such a success that it has kept running for decades,” says junior runner Ethan Butkus. “It just adds on to the experience of running, knowing how many people have run that course along with me.”
Deb Flaherty, Nonnewaug’s boys cross country coach, acknowledges the legacy the invite holds.
“The big standout more than anything else is its longevity,” said Flaherty. “It’s been very successful. I honestly don’t know how many teams used to come in the past, but we had 20 teams this year, and I can say that that’s up there comparatively with some of the most popular invitationals in the state.”
The invite has given the team a sense of pride and community.
“It feels special to me, and that all of these other schools know Nonnewaug because of the invite. It makes it even more special that there is so much history involved with it, and makes it fun to be a part of,” said Scarlett Ivey, a junior cross country athlete. “It feels like we are a part of something bigger than the BL. Seeing all of these different schools at Nonnewaug is something that almost never happens outside of this. It makes for a very fun environment to run in with all of those people cheering you on.”
The Chiefs left the grounds Friday with reaching their main goals for the meet.
“It gives such a sense of pride, I heard over and over again, how much people were enjoying it,” said Flaherty. “We hit the overall goals: successful invitational, check, raise a bit of money, check, everybody has fun, check.”
