Montrose has a sport in each season for all runners. We have cross country in the Fall, indoor track and field in the Winter, and outdoor track and field in the Spring. This year, seniors Hana Shinzawa and Rosie Reale led their teams in amazing seasons especially, including winning the NEPSTA Division 3 Championship in Cross Country.
Hana Shinzawa has been a dedicated member of the cross country, winter track and spring track teams for six years. She was a star runner in both the 4×100 meter relay and 4×400 meter relay, she also competed very well in the open 400 meter race and the long jump. She shared: “I love cross country, since the whole team runs workouts and races together. I think it’s a really great way to connect across all grades and experience levels, since we’re all taking on the same challenges together.” She added: “In track, I love the relays; running with friends helps me focus on team goals and lets me connect with them even more!” Hana was a strong leader who led by example, and she was a patient teacher. She taught me how to do a handoff in the 4×100 meter relay, how to do a down start with a baton in your hand, and guided and came alongside me in the long jump. All that being said, she was a wonderful captain for all three teams both this year and last year, diligently passing along all her wisdom, tips and leadership skills to those who will follow in her steps. She shared that some of her favorite memories over the years were made on team bus rides, blasting music and singing Disney songs. She also mentioned that the 2023 NEPSTA cross country championship was a positive surprise. In that moment, she could see how far the team had come and was proud of the team’s success! Next year, she is excited to join the MIT running club to continue pursuing her love of running.
Rosie Reale, the only other senior on the team this year, has been on the spring track team for four years and did cross country for the first time this year! Her favorite event was the discus, which she has been throwing for three years. She also began competing in, and learning to enjoy, the 3000 meters race this year. Some of her favorite memories were made when going to the beach with the track team after championships her sophomore year and at several team dinners held before meets. She also mentioned that it was very rewarding to win the cross country championships this past fall, because she could see that all the hard work everyone had put into the season paid off! Rosie plans to continue running in a college run club and hopes to continue running beyond college.
We are all so grateful for everything that these seniors have contributed to the running community at Montrose. They have been leaders to look up to and companions – encouraging us through every practice and competition. We will miss them dearly, and we know they will continue to do great things in their college communities and beyond!
By Elisabeth Halberstadt ‘27, Faith Editor
27ehalberstadt@montroseschool.org
