By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Coach Matt Miller has set some lofty goals for the Natick High boys cross-country team.

The 58-year-old Miller, who has 22 years with the program (12 as head coach) lists winning the Division 1B Meet and the Bay State Conference Championship Meet as two of his prime objectives. Also on his list are to improve on last year’s result in the other post-season meet (Meet of Champions), and to see the Redhawks or one of their individuals invited to the Nike National Meet in Oregon. 

Miller’s goals may be lofty but he firmly believes they’re realistic.

“Based on last year, our squad had the best results ever in the Division 1B and the All-State Meet (now called the Meet of Champions),’’ said Miller, who also coaches boys indoor and outdoor track. “We finished third in the division meet out of 21 teams and ninth in the Meet of Champions out of 23 squads. We had a 5-4 dual-meet record in the Bay State Conference but finished third in the conference championship meet.’’

Miller has a high degree of confidence in his 2024 contingent and he knows it’s  capable of surpassing last year’s efforts. “We’ve got a talented and dedicated group,’’ he emphasized, “and they’ve seen what they can achieve after last year’s post-season. The boys rose to the occasion. Qualifying for the Nike Nationals, however, will be hard but it’s possible.’’

The Redhawks have a variety of other strengths that Miller likes. “They work hard and do what’s required for success,’’ he said. “They’re young but have meet experience and rely on grit and determination. They’re also confident and have benefitted from our overall depth.’’

Five seniors have graduated from last year’s team but there are six returnees with varying degrees of experience.

Natick has seven captains and they’re all seniors.

“Joe Vogel, Will Catching and Jay Hu are quality runners and respected leaders,’’ Miller said. “Joe is a natural leader who’s a distance specialist. He runs the two-mile in track. Will is a middle- distance specialist who can extend out to a 5K race. He runs the 800-meter event in track. Jay is the hardest worker on the team. He’s talented and gives great effort, which could lead to him becoming a top-7 runner.’’

Christian Goranson, Mark Boyajian, Ben Sheidley and Mateo Gonzalez round out the captain’s group. “They’re all well-liked and are strong leaders,’’ Miller noted. “They’re committed to the team and they’re all dependable and have passion for cross-country.’’

Miller labels junior John Bianchi as “our No. 1 runner’’ and says he was the top distance runner in indoor and outdoor track.

“John is strong, physical, fast, experienced and has a lengthy stride,’’ Miller offered. “He rises to the challenge. He was seventh at the Meet of Champions last year and set a school record in the outdoor mile (4:16.31).’’

Junior Freddie Van Der Velden has emerged after a promising sophomore year. “Freddie is enthusiastic and is committed to improving,’’ Miller said. “He has a good training partner in Bianchi.’’

Sophomore Callum Doyle was ranked the 12th best freshman miler in track last spring and Miller is eager to see him progress. “Callum is quiet and he’s emerged as a top-notch miler in track,’’ he said. “And, he’s not afraid to train hard.’’

Sophomore Declan Hava is a runner with a tremendous work ethic. “He loves running and he loves being part of the team,’’ Miller said. “He’s willing to work diligently to reach his goals.’’

Miller rates Brookline, the defending BSC champion, as the favorite to again win the conference meet. “They’re talented and have some quality returnees,’’ he said. “We’ll be in the mix along with Newton North and Wellesley.’’

As Natick gets ready for pre-season practice that begins on Aug. 22, Miller will welcome Hunter Stewart, his “experienced and knowledgeable assistant coach.’’ Stewart also works with sprinters in indoor and outdoor track. 

A native of St. Louis, Miller relies on a competitive philosophy that focuses on reaching one’s potential and enjoying athletics. “If those things occur, then winning will be the by-product, he said. “And, if our runners don’t win, there’s still lifelong values they get from competing with their colleagues and building great relationships.’’

Valuable life lessons Miller hopes his runners learn while competing are “how to be good teammates and quality leaders, how to overcome adversity and to be resilient.’’

Natick High’s boys cross-country team will be a formidable opponent for conference foes this fall and also for those the Redhawks will face in post-season meets. 

Miller knows his forces will be fast and run strategic races. “We’re also versatile, having a good blend of speed and endurance. And, our competitive desire will be a major plus.’’

The goals have been set and Natick will open its season on Sept. 4 at Wellesley.

Expectations no doubt will be high but Matt Miller and his Redhawk runners are ready  for the challenges ahead.