Running Together: THXC’s Unforgettable Season

By: Vivian Daniel & Izzy Daniel

Tower Hill XC this year has dominated and made a name for itself in the XC community. The captains for the 2025 season were Alex Neal, Alex Li, Eli Browne, Andrew Park, Izzy Daniel, Camille Moritz, Morgan Duckworth, and Allison Chi. As a whole, they led the team to achieve great feats and brought liveliness to practices and meets. 

To get an inside scoop about the Tower Hill XC, we asked Izzy Daniel, DIAA Girls Division 2 State Champion, about the team and her experience with running.

Q: What has the Tower XC team brought you?

A: The Tower Hill XC team has brought me so much over these last three years. I have gained self-confidence, endurance, and a team of people that truly care about me.

Q: How have your teammates and coaches impacted your season?

A: My teammates and coaches are what allowed me to claim the state title this year. Coach LV has been my supporter since day one, and he has really allowed me to flourish as a runner. Coach Moravek and Coach Hoch have also been coaching me since freshman year and have gone on runs with me and cheered me on all over the cross country course. Coach Drew coaches me in XC and track and field, and his positive attitude really keeps me going on the tough days. I also have a great team around me: Camille Mortis, Morgan Duckworth, Macey Duckworth, Sophie Craine, Sadie Coyle, Emerson DeBecke, and Lucia Colasante. They are some of the sweetest and most compassionate people I have ever met, and I am so lucky to be on their team.

Q: What is your pre-race routine?

A: My pre-race routine usually consists of an apple sauce (per Morgan’s recommendation) and then rope stretching. After rope stretching, I usually do banded walks to activate my quads and hamstrings, then I go on a jog with a few of the girls for 1-2 miles, depending on how we are feeling. After that, we go through a dynamic routine, and then we are headed to the start line. We do a couple of striders together and then do our team cheer before each getting in the zone. This is where I do my jumps to encourage explosivity in my first few steps off the line.

Q: How do you and your teammates stay calm before each race?

A: Each race is really different. Sometimes, we are on a course that really suits our individual race style, and other times, not so much. We are there for each other to push through the uncomfortable feelings that can come with racing courses that don’t play to our strengths. We always do a big group hug before we race to remind ourselves that we are in this together.

Q: How did it feel to become a state champion?

​​A: Being state champion is never something I thought possible before this year. I loved the sport, but never knew it could be “my thing”. During my freshman and sophomore years, I struggled with injuries and dips in self-confidence. Being able to win this state championship allowed me to reflect on how far I’ve come. When I crossed the line, I felt an immense amount of gratitude to my friends and family for supporting me through these last three years. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Aside from Izzy winning the DIAA Girls Division 2 State Championship, some other highlights of the season include Fritz Conaty running 17:49, our fastest boys' time of the year at the Ugly Duckling Invitational in October. The girls' team won the big schools division at the Sallies Invitational at Brandywine State Park, and the girls' team placed 6th at the DIAA State Meet.

Not only did the XC team have successes, but they also have a good-hearted and supportive community. The seniors not only brought energy, but also helped the group flourish. 

An interactive flipbook of the THXC seniors!

Whether the team is running repeat 400s or going on a long run, they are always competing and pushing each other forward. While cross country is grueling at times, the friendships and experiences are worth it and create seasons they will all look back on fondly.