Trinity High School has a familiar face taking charge of cross country this fall as Erin Nelson, a class of 2016 graduate, is the new head coach. She replaces Johann Gonzalez, who led the Blazers the previous eight seasons.
“I am so excited for my first season as a head coach,” Nelson said. “The Trinity cross country program is something I hold close to my heart, having been an athlete for the team starting back in 2012. I have been in the same shoes as these girls and love working with them every day to be awesome student-athletes.”
Trinity is off to a solid start. At the season-opening Elmwood Park Trial on the Trail, Aug. 28, junior Molly McGreal placed third and set a new school record for a two-mile race with a time of 12 minutes, 17 seconds. Then at the Harvest Christian Academy Fall Classic in Elgin, Sept. 7, McGreal, who finished eighth in last year’s IHSA Class 2A state meet to become Trinity’s first-ever all-stater in cross-country, took second with a time of 19:30.39. Senior Jade Morelli, who also advanced downstate last fall, finished 19th in 22:53.35.
Other runners who competed at HCA were senior Alessandra Pineda (36th, 24:03.48), junior Gabby Alongi (45th, 24:59.70), senior Vanessa Arreguin (54th, 25:39.44), freshman Charlotte O’Brien (65th, 27:36.28), and sophomore Emily Mielich (66th, 27:36.28).
“Our team is doing a great job so far,” Nelson said. “A lot of our athletes took charge of their own training plans and showed the level of dedication that every coach dreams of having in an athlete. I’m excited to see their hard work come to fruition as the season develops.”
Among the highlights of Trinity’s schedule are the Riverside-Brookfield Invite, Sept. 21; the Pat Savage Invite at Niles West, Oct. 5; and the Lakes Sunset Invite in Lake Villa, Oct. 11.
When it comes to the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White Division meet on Oct. 19, Nelson believes IC Prep and Wheaton St. Francis will be the teams to beat. She’s hoping newcomers like Alongi and O’Brien can help the Blazers challenge.
“We have a few new athletes to help round out a tough top-five,” Nelson said. “I am looking forward to seeing how they have an impact on our success. Our goal for the season is to build up the team ‘pack’ mindset while racing to not only achieve our team goals but each girl’s personal goals as well,” she added. “The start to our season has shown me that with a combination of the returning athletes and a few new ones, anything is possible.”