About Tolland High School Cross Country Alumni

Many members of Tolland High School Cross Country go on to compete in intercollegiate athletics in college. Below are the graduates of our program who are currently participating in NCAA cross country.

Alex Zemek: Class of '95

Alex Zemek was probably the most talented runner ever to graduate from Tolland Cross Country. Zemek was an outstanding athlete throughout his entire high school career, and during his senior year he remained undefeated in the NCCC conference throughout the cross country season. He was NCCC Champion, State Champion, and State Open Champion in 1995. In addition, he was an extremely hard-working student and athlete, a focused racer, and a inspirational captain. Zemek now attends Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut where he is a varsity member of the college's cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams.

Stephen Palmer: Class of '96

Coach Leeds often refers to Stephen Palmer as the most talented racer ever to graduate from Tolland Cross Country, Tolland Indoor Track, and Tolland Track and Field combined. In his senior year, Palmer remained undefeated throughout the regular season in the NCCC, and later went on to be State Class SS champion. In the State Open, he placed 18th and earned All-State Honors. In addition to his success in competition, Palmer was an excellent captain, a hard-working student and athlete, and a fun team mate. Palmer now attends Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he majors in business. He continues to have much success in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track, and he runs varsity all three seasons.

Jesse Sullivan: Class of '96

Jessie Sullivan was not a member of Tolland High School Cross Country until his senior year at Tolland High School. But despite his lack of cross country experience, Sullivan performed extremely well during the '96 season. He was an asset to the team, and he placed high in NCCC and state meets. Sullivan now attends Central Connecticut State University where he participates in Division I intercollegiate cross country and track.

Justin Maloney: Class of '97

Justin Maloney was certainly a stand out in the history of Tolland Boys' Cross Country. During his junior year, he trailed behind Stephen Palmer and was undefeated the entire regular NCCC season by anyone except Palmer. During his senior year, Maloney (MA-LO-NEEE) placed second in the NCCC conference championship, losing only to All-State team member Chris Ciparelli. Maloney also performed well in States his junior and senior years and earned All-Class Honors both seasons. Maloney is now a freshman at the University of Connecticut at Storrs where he attends the School of Engineering. Although he does not participate in intercollegiate cross country or track, he plans to transfer to the University of Maine at Orono next year. He continues to train with intensity in hopes of joining Maine's team.

Kerri Nielson: Class of '96

Kerri Neilson, a member of the team of '96's "pack", was one of Coach Baxer's most coachable athletes. Quiet, reserved, and very talented, Kerry contributed immensely to the team's competitive success. Kerry now attends _________College in _________, where she participates in cross country. She was the first of Mr. Baxer's runners to participate in intercollegiate cross country.

Arin Adler: Class of '97

Arin Adler participated in Tolland Indoor Track and Tolland Track and Field throughout her high school career, but she did not participate in cross country until her junior year. She ran varsity in many races and was a enormous asset to the team. In addition to contributing to the team's competitive success, Arin started a new tradition for the team -- snicker-doodles after every meet. Arin now attends Keene State College and participates in intercollegiate cross country. She is majoring in child education.

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