Pascack Hills’ fall season athletics are off to a great start this year. Everyone is aware of the soccer team’s exciting state sectional win over Ramsey. What many of the students do not know is that Pascack Hills Cross Country team had a record year this past fall. It was arguably one of the best seasons in school history.

The Hills XC team, comprised of both girls and boys, had a staggering 75 kids on the team this past fall, far and away the most ever. What made the team truly amazing this year was the success on all levels. The boy’s varsity and freshman teams each won county championships. The freshman boys knocked off the powerhouse Ramsey by seven points. The varsity boys county championship was the second county title in school history, truly making it a memorable season for them.

The girl’s freshman team came in third behind two powerhouse teams in Ridgewood and IHA, and the JV boys came in 2^nd place behind St. Joes. Saint Joes ran in the wrong race, they were supposed to be on the line for the private schools race. That being said JV boys, should have taken first. The varsity and JV girls are looking to become a force next year with strong underclassman moving up to replace the open varsity roles.

Long time coach Bob Buccino had his hands full this year with a massive team. He was no stranger however to the challenge, and coached the program to a great season. He described the team in one word as “special”. He went on to explain what made the season special… “Because of the fact that the boys won counties-all teams, and the girls team had a great season as well, that’s what makes it a special season, it’s not just the individual, it’s the success of the whole team that makes it special.” Hills Cross country truly was impressive this year. They showed what it meant to be a unit and win as one. There was no stand out runner. The varsity teams all ran in tight packs and finished relatively close to each other, a true testament to team success.

“Even better with the boys, and the girls are on the cusp of doing some special” said Coach Buccino in response to the future. He also expects to have a big team once again based on last year’s numbers. The varsity boy’s team is only losing two of their seven varsity runners. Five of the seven starters this past season were non-seniors, and the freshman class already has varsity capable runners.