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Cross country is that type of sport that attracts intelligent runners. The biggest link between XC and academic excellence may be dedication. To be good at either you have to stick with it. It takes an unwavering focus to stay on task day after day. You may be tired, discouraged, hurt and maybe sometimes even afraid - but you know that excuses don't cut it in the "real world". So you put in the daily grind because the rewards are so great. That's just the way it is with driven individuals.

It's no surprise that of all the sports the Ivy League schools offer, the one where they can be consistantly competitive on the national stage is cross country. Despite the fact that there are no scholarships available, outstanding scholar athletes eschew the attraction of monetary reward for the academic rigor they seek.

The Hockomock League has sent many athletes on to Ivies. Yale has enjoyed a solid string of our best female athletes, the latest three all being high school XC stars who were also 800M specialists. Emily Estey (NA-97), Rebecca Dickens (Sharon - 99) both went on to have great careers. Presently, Meredith Leenhouts (Franklin -04) has brought honor to the Bulldog blue and white, representing the Hock with distinction.

Is there someone out there to continue the string or will it end with "Dith"?