The Pelicans will begin their cross country season on Saturday at the Somers Big Red Invitational hosted by Somers High School. Pelham’s roster includes returning star runners Padraig Pearlman and Celia Parent, both seniors. The season will stretch out until Oct. 21, with a total of nine meets and invitationals. Following the final invitational, qualified runners will participate in the County Championships, followed by the Section 1 Championship and then the New York State Championships.

Last season, Pelham saw 36 runners qualify for the County Championships, ultimately placing 17th in Westchester. Of those, twenty qualified for the Section 1 Championships, with Pelham finishing sixth in Boys Class B and tenth in Girls Class B.

“I do think we’re off to a good start,” said Parent. “Preseason is tough, and the team has a lot of new members, but everyone seems to be carrying their own weight pretty well. The team is encouraging each other, and we’re really pushing ourselves to the limit this year. I definitely think we’ll have a pretty successful season, and I know we’re capable of making it far.”

Parent and junior Serafina Temple will lead the girls team with Pearlman and junior George Negrin as captains of the boys team.