The cross country season begins in early August. At least, that is when practices officially get underway. For Conor Fagan, the cross country season is all year long.

Fagan, who also runs track in the spring, is the only member of the cross country team this year to qualify for Sectionals, having placed 23rd in Regionals on Saturday, October 22, at Washington Park. Following that success, he represented the school at Niles West on Saturday, October 29, in the Sectionals race.

Unfortunately, Fagan was not able to qualify for the State finals, running 16:31 and finishing 67th. Though he was not able to accomplish his goal of making State, Fagan still ran an impressive season, including a 15:56 personal best time.

Although Head Cross Country Coach Daniel Burke was unable to be there due to a personal commitment, he was excited about Fagan’s opportunity to compete at sectionals.

“Conor has worked really hard all season with the goal of going to state, so hopefully his hard work pays off. I wish I could be there to support him.”

However, Conor wasn’t completely alone, as Mr. Daniel Haggerty, who normally coaches sophomore football, was present to act as the back-up cross country coach.

With the conclusion of his season, Fagan reflected on what he has accomplished.

“I’m upset that I wasn’t able to advance (to) State, but it was still a great experience representing Mount Carmel cross country these past couple years.”

Fagan joined the cross country team his sophomore year of high school, choosing to only run track in the spring of his freshman year. After joining the team he quickly established himself as a top runner over the past three years.

Though he was not able to complete his goal in his last year on the team, Burke lauded Fagan on his accomplishments this year.

“He ran a good race and he gave it his all.  I’m sad to see him go, but I know he’ll do great things in college and beyond.”