Boys’ cross-country team continues to dominate in 2026

The ARHS Cross Country team is one of ARHS’s most dominant sports teams. One reason is that they have a strong group of core athletes and a long-dedicated coach and teacher at the helm.

Social studies teacher and boys’ cross country coach Christoper Gould has been a cross country runner for 47 years and the team’s coach for 32 years. He loves athletics in general, but he’s a fan of a good race. “When I’m in a race or just running in general, I feel a jolt in my body,” he said.

Gould has many athletes on his team, but said he especially appreciates the runners that have trust in him. The bond between Gould and his runners is strong. “Cross country is a team sport,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how well an individual runs.”

Last year, their record was 9 wins and 1 loss. The team has accomplished many feats in the past season, when they won the Southern Maine Classic. Additionally, they came second in the Western Mass Championship and took third place in the Division 2 state championships. This year, they have won all their meets.

Under Gould, the team has always been a tough team. “I’ve only had three losses in one season ever during my years as a coach,” Gould said. He doesn’t “fixate on captains” since all of the runners matter, and he said he is looking for reliability in the captain role over “being a world-class runner.”

“Anyone can try out for the team, and it doesn’t matter how fast you are because you can always improve,” he added.

Gould said there are a lot of benefits to being on a sports team like cross country. “The time spent in practice and meets” helps the team, and by being part of a group, people learn how to be “a social animal” and not put themselves first, he said.

He said that athletes also develop mental and physical “toughness” through playing sports. He can help them during practice, but later they have to rely on themselves. “When on the course it’s all about you,” he said.

This season the team boasts 30 runners, including Calvin Miller, a captain. He has been coached by Gould for his entire high school career. “He creates a supportive and friendly environment for everyone on the team no matter their speed,” Miller said. Miller has honed his skills as a runner and aims to compete for a Division 2 State Championship Title.

He said the runners on the team have a never-ending passion for the sport and push each other to their absolute best. “I love this sport because the amount of work you put in shows when you race. If you work hard and try your best, you will improve,” Miller said.