Captains' Awards
The Cross Country Captains award the "Captains' Award" to one boy and one girl at practice following each meet. This award goes to someone who contributed to the team at the meet either with their performance, spirit, helpfulness, dedication, motivation and/or effort. Recipients of the Captains' Awards are below.
Region Captains' Award Recipients
Maddie Butzer
What words of wisdom can you offer other runners? Listen to the coaches. The little things build up and will help you during the weakest points in your races.
What works for you to get past a running slump (i.e. trying to beat your PR)? I often will picture myself crossing the finish line around 30 seconds faster than I actually want to run. If I convince myself I can do it mentally, the physical part gets easier.
What are your favorite "traditions"/things you always do the day of a race? During races, in the pocket of my running shorts, I carry the hair ribbon that the girls' captains made my freshman year for all the runners. I have been carrying it since the 2009 season.
What is your favorite running quote? "The best pace is a suicide pace, and today is a good day to die." -Pre
What is your favorite XC memory this season? This season, my favorite memory was listening to all the senior speeches at the overnight in Florida.
What is one thing cross country has taught you? Cross country has taught me self-discipline. There is only so much the coaches can force you to do, but in the long run, it's really up to you to decide how hard to push yourself.
What works for you to get past a running slump (i.e. trying to beat your PR)? I often will picture myself crossing the finish line around 30 seconds faster than I actually want to run. If I convince myself I can do it mentally, the physical part gets easier.
What are your favorite "traditions"/things you always do the day of a race? During races, in the pocket of my running shorts, I carry the hair ribbon that the girls' captains made my freshman year for all the runners. I have been carrying it since the 2009 season.
What is your favorite running quote? "The best pace is a suicide pace, and today is a good day to die." -Pre
What is your favorite XC memory this season? This season, my favorite memory was listening to all the senior speeches at the overnight in Florida.
What is one thing cross country has taught you? Cross country has taught me self-discipline. There is only so much the coaches can force you to do, but in the long run, it's really up to you to decide how hard to push yourself.
Connor Burks
What season of XC is this for you? 4th season
How did you get started running? Anthony Machan
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running? To stay in shape
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents? Rec basketball
What is your favorite XC memory? Receiving Captain Award
What has been the best part of Milton XC? Meeting new people
How did you get started running? Anthony Machan
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running? To stay in shape
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents? Rec basketball
What is your favorite XC memory? Receiving Captain Award
What has been the best part of Milton XC? Meeting new people
Coach Wood Captains' Award Recipients
Hallie Howell
What season of XC is this for you?
This is my first season (freshman).
How did you get started running?
My mom had been running for a little bit, so I decided to try it and I liked it! :)
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
My parents, my brother Jammer, and the XC team.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I love hanging out with my friends and going on vacation :)
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite memory was in Knoxville when Milton dominated the meet and at Coach Wood when I came in 3rd overall (1st for Milton!) in the JV race!
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
Meeting new amazing people and friends.
This is my first season (freshman).
How did you get started running?
My mom had been running for a little bit, so I decided to try it and I liked it! :)
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
My parents, my brother Jammer, and the XC team.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I love hanging out with my friends and going on vacation :)
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite memory was in Knoxville when Milton dominated the meet and at Coach Wood when I came in 3rd overall (1st for Milton!) in the JV race!
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
Meeting new amazing people and friends.
Brendan Kemple
What season of XC is this for you?
This is my fourth season of cross country.
How did you get started running?
I got started running in 7th grade when I joined the Alpharetta YMCA XC Team. I had just moved to Georgia and I was looking for a sport to play.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
Matthew Chestnut. He was the coach for the YMCA XC Team and he coached because he enjoyed running. He supported me as I got going and really helped me along my way. He could run forever it seemed like and always had a positive attitude.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I play trombone for the symphonic band, lacrosse in the spring, and basketball in the winter.
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite XC memory had to be when we won county my freshman year and everyone went crazy.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part of Milton XC has been getting to bond with so many different people.
This is my fourth season of cross country.
How did you get started running?
I got started running in 7th grade when I joined the Alpharetta YMCA XC Team. I had just moved to Georgia and I was looking for a sport to play.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
Matthew Chestnut. He was the coach for the YMCA XC Team and he coached because he enjoyed running. He supported me as I got going and really helped me along my way. He could run forever it seemed like and always had a positive attitude.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I play trombone for the symphonic band, lacrosse in the spring, and basketball in the winter.
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite XC memory had to be when we won county my freshman year and everyone went crazy.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part of Milton XC has been getting to bond with so many different people.
Bobcat Captains' Award Recipients
Michelle Pick
What season of XC is this for you?
This would be my first year running Milton XC.
How did you get started running?
I started out as a swimmer; this helped me with my endurance. Then my parents took me and my whole family to a local 5K to raise money for cancer. My sister, Christina, and I didn't feel like walking the 5K so we started to run it. I liked doing the 5K so I started doing more and more 5Ks in local towns. Then, as I got older, I started winning the 14 and under age group. So, I guess I started running because my parents took my family and I to a local 5K.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
My friend's dad always challenged me in local 5Ks. We had friendly competitions and raced all the time.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I have a bunch of other hobbies; I swim competitively for a summer league, I play softball, and I like to cook.
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite memory is on the first day of Milton XC practice; I just moved here and didn't know anybody. A bunch of people started being nice to me and started talking to me, especially Juanita Pardo and Meagan Thistleton.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part of Milton XC is being able to run with a lot of friends. I moved here this past summer and Milton XC feels like one big Family. I have made tons of good friends.
This would be my first year running Milton XC.
How did you get started running?
I started out as a swimmer; this helped me with my endurance. Then my parents took me and my whole family to a local 5K to raise money for cancer. My sister, Christina, and I didn't feel like walking the 5K so we started to run it. I liked doing the 5K so I started doing more and more 5Ks in local towns. Then, as I got older, I started winning the 14 and under age group. So, I guess I started running because my parents took my family and I to a local 5K.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
My friend's dad always challenged me in local 5Ks. We had friendly competitions and raced all the time.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I have a bunch of other hobbies; I swim competitively for a summer league, I play softball, and I like to cook.
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite memory is on the first day of Milton XC practice; I just moved here and didn't know anybody. A bunch of people started being nice to me and started talking to me, especially Juanita Pardo and Meagan Thistleton.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part of Milton XC is being able to run with a lot of friends. I moved here this past summer and Milton XC feels like one big Family. I have made tons of good friends.
Anthony Machan
What season of XC is this for you?
This is my 4th season.
How did you get started running?
I started running in 7th grade with the Woodstock Track Club
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
My biggest inspiration has just been the competitive spirit.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I'm really into music. I go to a lot of concerts.
What is your favorite XC memory?
This race (Bobcat Classic) is one of my favorite memories. Watching Matt Leblanc consume solely loaves of bread for the week at summer camp my sophomore year is a close second.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part of cross country has been meeting all of my teammates.
This is my 4th season.
How did you get started running?
I started running in 7th grade with the Woodstock Track Club
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
My biggest inspiration has just been the competitive spirit.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I'm really into music. I go to a lot of concerts.
What is your favorite XC memory?
This race (Bobcat Classic) is one of my favorite memories. Watching Matt Leblanc consume solely loaves of bread for the week at summer camp my sophomore year is a close second.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part of cross country has been meeting all of my teammates.
Fulton County Captains' Award Recipients
Amanda Lockwood
What season of XC is this for you?
3rd season
How did you get started running?
I started running because Heather Harman convinced me to get in shape for lacrosse freshman year
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
Coach Carr has been my biggest inspiration
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I love playing lacrosse and Chipotle
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite memory is getting in a fight with a Walton runner at Region sophomore year
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part has been spending time with everyone on the team
3rd season
How did you get started running?
I started running because Heather Harman convinced me to get in shape for lacrosse freshman year
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
Coach Carr has been my biggest inspiration
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I love playing lacrosse and Chipotle
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite memory is getting in a fight with a Walton runner at Region sophomore year
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part has been spending time with everyone on the team
Andy Holben
What season of XC is this for you?
This is my 3rd season, I started my sophomore year
How did you get started running?
I figured it would be an easy lettering opportunity...I still haven't lettered in it yet
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
I'm not sure, I guess just all my friends on the team
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents? Apparently I have many strange things that I'm good at, but not really, except sailing sometimes
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite XC memory is fist punching the finish line to beat Brent Neal at the Furman Invitational last season, that was also my favorite trip
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part of Milton XC has been all the meets. I love the meets. I get to spend an entire day with my friends, get free Bagel Boys, and have fun watching people run their best. The only part I hate is that short 20 minute part where you feel like dying, but other than that, it's all good.
This is my 3rd season, I started my sophomore year
How did you get started running?
I figured it would be an easy lettering opportunity...I still haven't lettered in it yet
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
I'm not sure, I guess just all my friends on the team
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents? Apparently I have many strange things that I'm good at, but not really, except sailing sometimes
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite XC memory is fist punching the finish line to beat Brent Neal at the Furman Invitational last season, that was also my favorite trip
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part of Milton XC has been all the meets. I love the meets. I get to spend an entire day with my friends, get free Bagel Boys, and have fun watching people run their best. The only part I hate is that short 20 minute part where you feel like dying, but other than that, it's all good.
Milton Invitational Captains' Award Recipients
Blair Gelb
What season of XC is this for you?
This is my second year, I started as a sophomore.
How did you get started running?
I ran in jog-a-thons in elementary school and loved it! I knew that when I got into high school, I wanted to be a runner.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
My dad ran with me every year in the jog-a-thons and has always encouraged me to do my best!
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I am on a swim team in the summer.
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite memory is when I made it to state and got my name on the board in the gym with an ultimate PR!
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
Making many new friends and being a part of a great team/family.
This is my second year, I started as a sophomore.
How did you get started running?
I ran in jog-a-thons in elementary school and loved it! I knew that when I got into high school, I wanted to be a runner.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
My dad ran with me every year in the jog-a-thons and has always encouraged me to do my best!
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I am on a swim team in the summer.
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite memory is when I made it to state and got my name on the board in the gym with an ultimate PR!
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
Making many new friends and being a part of a great team/family.
Kegan Baird
What season of XC is this for you?
3rd season
How did you get started running?
John/Linda Ladaga ran for Milton and had always tried to get me to run, but I was busy with tennis and lacrosse so I couldn't run freshman year. Then, once I had quit lacrosse for tennis and Matt LeBlanc told me that he thought he could beat me in a race, I had to try out.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
Both of my parents were and have always been runners and I have always wanted to live up to them.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I play pretty much any sport. Love to hangout with friends. And, of course, I play classic video games with Brent Neal and Matt LeBlanc.
What is your favorite XC memory?
Besides Berry sophomore year, I would have to say Headphone guy tribute days towards the end of last year.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The team and the coaches. We have a great group of runners on XC who are extremely fun to be around, along with an excellent group of coaches who are always striving to make each individual runner achieve his or her goals.
3rd season
How did you get started running?
John/Linda Ladaga ran for Milton and had always tried to get me to run, but I was busy with tennis and lacrosse so I couldn't run freshman year. Then, once I had quit lacrosse for tennis and Matt LeBlanc told me that he thought he could beat me in a race, I had to try out.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
Both of my parents were and have always been runners and I have always wanted to live up to them.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I play pretty much any sport. Love to hangout with friends. And, of course, I play classic video games with Brent Neal and Matt LeBlanc.
What is your favorite XC memory?
Besides Berry sophomore year, I would have to say Headphone guy tribute days towards the end of last year.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The team and the coaches. We have a great group of runners on XC who are extremely fun to be around, along with an excellent group of coaches who are always striving to make each individual runner achieve his or her goals.
Knoxville Captains' Award Recipients
Izzy Brown
What season of XC is this for you? 3rd season
How did you get started running? I've been running for most of my life and I started XC with Zoe.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running? My biggest inspiration is seeing others working so hard at the meets.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents? I love to sing.
What is your favorite XC memory? My favorite memory would have to be getting 2nd for Milton JV at Covered Bridge.
What has been the best part of Milton XC? The best part is meeting new people and cheering for them.
How did you get started running? I've been running for most of my life and I started XC with Zoe.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running? My biggest inspiration is seeing others working so hard at the meets.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents? I love to sing.
What is your favorite XC memory? My favorite memory would have to be getting 2nd for Milton JV at Covered Bridge.
What has been the best part of Milton XC? The best part is meeting new people and cheering for them.
Alex Marshall
What season of XC is this for you? This is my third season on Milton cross country.
How did you get started running? I got into running through triathlons when I was about six years old and then Mrs. Warner convinced me to run for Milton after having her as a teacher for 8th grade.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running? My biggest inspiration for running is to continually improve for the good of the team and myself for the other sports that I do.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents? I am a year round swimmer at Dynamo and I am on the Southeast Junior Elite Triathlon Team.
What is your favorite XC memory? Probably one of my favorite memories was at the Berry meet last year when former captain Alex Salvateria went to the bathroom in a very open field.
What has been the best part of Milton XC? The best part of Milton XC is the great friends that you make.
How did you get started running? I got into running through triathlons when I was about six years old and then Mrs. Warner convinced me to run for Milton after having her as a teacher for 8th grade.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running? My biggest inspiration for running is to continually improve for the good of the team and myself for the other sports that I do.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents? I am a year round swimmer at Dynamo and I am on the Southeast Junior Elite Triathlon Team.
What is your favorite XC memory? Probably one of my favorite memories was at the Berry meet last year when former captain Alex Salvateria went to the bathroom in a very open field.
What has been the best part of Milton XC? The best part of Milton XC is the great friends that you make.
Covered Bridge Captains' Award Recipients
Divya Paduvalli
What season of XC is this for you?
This is my first year in Milton Cross Country.
How did you get started running?
I joined Cross Country because I wanted to lose weight and it might also look good on my college application. Initially it was very hard, but then I slowly got adjusted to running.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
I think my biggest inspiration is my mom because she has encouraged me and she is very regular in the gym.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
My other hobbies are swimming, dancing, and painting.
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite memory in Milton XC was the time trials.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part about Milton XC is that all the coaches are very supportive.
This is my first year in Milton Cross Country.
How did you get started running?
I joined Cross Country because I wanted to lose weight and it might also look good on my college application. Initially it was very hard, but then I slowly got adjusted to running.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
I think my biggest inspiration is my mom because she has encouraged me and she is very regular in the gym.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
My other hobbies are swimming, dancing, and painting.
What is your favorite XC memory?
My favorite memory in Milton XC was the time trials.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The best part about Milton XC is that all the coaches are very supportive.
Nick Molinari
What season of XC is this for you?
This is my 3rd season.
How did you get started running?
A few days before practice began the summer leading up to freshman year, my dad suggested I run since I wasn't playing any other sports...so I did.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
I guess it would have to be all of my friends who run too.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I love playing basketball and pretty much any other sport.
What is your favorite XC memory?
I can't narrow it down to one memory, it has ALL been a great experience.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
It has got to be the feeling you get having known you've run an awesome race.
This is my 3rd season.
How did you get started running?
A few days before practice began the summer leading up to freshman year, my dad suggested I run since I wasn't playing any other sports...so I did.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
I guess it would have to be all of my friends who run too.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I love playing basketball and pretty much any other sport.
What is your favorite XC memory?
I can't narrow it down to one memory, it has ALL been a great experience.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
It has got to be the feeling you get having known you've run an awesome race.
Berry Captains' Award Recipients
Chloe Gruca
What season of XC is this for you?
I'm a freshman so this is my first year running on the team! How did you get started running?
My sister has run for Milton for the past 4 years and convinced me to run too! Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
My sister Lindsay has definitely been my biggest inspiration; she helps me so much and strives to push me and make me a better person and runner. What is your favorite XC memory?
So far my favorite memory has been cheering everyone on at the meets and winning this award! :)
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
My favorite part has been meeting all these new amazing people! They are all so sweet and really encourage me and can make my day.
I'm a freshman so this is my first year running on the team! How did you get started running?
My sister has run for Milton for the past 4 years and convinced me to run too! Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
My sister Lindsay has definitely been my biggest inspiration; she helps me so much and strives to push me and make me a better person and runner. What is your favorite XC memory?
So far my favorite memory has been cheering everyone on at the meets and winning this award! :)
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
My favorite part has been meeting all these new amazing people! They are all so sweet and really encourage me and can make my day.
Zach Bailey
What season of XC is this for you?
2nd year
How did you get started running?
The first time I saw Justin Thornsberry's calves.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
The chance to continue to knock down my PR times.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I am also involved in the drama department.
What is your favorite XC memory?
My kick in the chute at Coach Wood last year.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
Just becoming part of our awesome XC team
2nd year
How did you get started running?
The first time I saw Justin Thornsberry's calves.
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
The chance to continue to knock down my PR times.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I am also involved in the drama department.
What is your favorite XC memory?
My kick in the chute at Coach Wood last year.
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
Just becoming part of our awesome XC team
Time Trial Captains' Award Recipients
Abbey Clear
What season of XC is this for you?
3rd year
How did you get started running?
Maddie Butzer and the Harman family told me to join XC, so I did :)
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
All the people on the team!
What is your favorite XC memory?
All the pasta parties :)
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
Everyone on the team each year!
Tom Jurgens
What season of XC is this for you?
3rd season of cross country
How did you get started running?
I'm not really sure, it's just one foot in front of the other
Who/what has been your biggest inspiration for running?
Will Jurgens
Do you have any other hobbies/interests/talents?
I like to play basketball and I like to ski. I also enjoy reading.
What is your favorite XC memory?
Regions in 2010
What has been the best part of Milton XC?
The whole team is really supportive and it's just a great experience overall