Run-derful trail run raises funds for Old Rochester cross country
Fiona White and Caroline Hilton begin the trail race with smiles on their faces. Photos by Mari Huglin
From left to right: Michael Fay, William White and Paddy Murphy start the race. 
From left to right: Karin Kingsland, Violet Kaselica and Chris Kaselica have fun on the run.
Mark Milhench jokes with the crowd as Teddy Caroll and Ella Batholonew follow behind. 
Nick Pilla chases down the lead runner on the trail.
Don Cuddy races to the finish line.
Michael Fay smiles as he finishes a hill. 
Carly Bradshaw focuses on the trail. 
David Gulley grinds on the alumni trail run. 
Runners start the trail run together.
Fiona White and Caroline Hilton begin the trail race with smiles on their faces. Photos by Mari Huglin
From left to right: Michael Fay, William White and Paddy Murphy start the race.
From left to right: Karin Kingsland, Violet Kaselica and Chris Kaselica have fun on the run.
Mark Milhench jokes with the crowd as Teddy Caroll and Ella Batholonew follow behind.
Nick Pilla chases down the lead runner on the trail.
Don Cuddy races to the finish line.
Michael Fay smiles as he finishes a hill.
Carly Bradshaw focuses on the trail.
David Gulley grinds on the alumni trail run.
Runners start the trail run together.
MARION — Alumni, families and siblings headed for the starting line on Sunday Oct. 26 to fundraise for Old Rochester Regional High School’s cross country team.
Approximately 40 runners braved the chilly autumn morning to run a 5K around Washburn Park, the course where the Old Rochester Regional High School’s cross country team practices and hosts meets.
Jessica Pilla, head coach of the cross country team, said the race was all about having fun and raising money for the team.
“I always loved the idea of an alumni race and people coming back and getting to see the course and the community getting to see the course and kind of seeing what we're about,” she said.
Last year, 40 participants came out and helped fundraise, allowing the team to buy new jerseys. This year, just as many runners came to the trail run, but they had already raised over $500 dollars, exceeding last year's donations.
The cross country team finished up their conference competitions on Saturday, Oct. 25, with the girls winning their division and the boys coming in second place. A few team members joined the alumni, but many volunteered for the event instead.
Two current athletes Molly Osetkowski, a freshman, and James Hilton, a sophomore, were excited to help out and see everyone cross the finish line.
“We just want to have fun, have a good race, and fundraise a large amount,” said Osetkowski.
Hilton was most excited to see his younger sister take on the course he spends so much time on.
Michael Fay, class of 1979, was happy with his effort, glad to raise money for the team. He had not run the course since high school 47 years ago when he ran cross country and track.
“I was just running the course and it was just bringing back a flood of old memories,” he said.
His favorite part of the day was getting to meet new people and enjoying the sunshine as it came out by the end of the race.
Fay finished on a positive note and said, “Keep in shape, stay in shape. Running is great for the soul and the mind and the body. And enjoy life and be happy.”
Two recent cross country alumni, Teddy Carrol, class of 2023, and Ella Bartholomew, class of 2025, were happy to see their old friends and coaches and relive memories.
“We reminisced on some memories. A few falls and whatnot,” said Carrol.
Pilla, happy with the event and turnout, said, “[The trail run] is just another way for us to fundraise and kind of have some community spirit.”
