Year after year, under the guidance of Joe Drugan, Hopedale continues to put a quality product of runners on the course whether it’s cross country, indoor or outdoor track. Once again, the Blue Raiders’ coach is very optimistic in his runners and expecting good things from them this fall during the cross country season.

“Coming in, I am pretty much confident in this group,” Drugan said. "In the past, I have had some great teams but this is one that is going to stand out. Their work ethic and leadership is going to produce good things this season.”

The seniors running for Drugan will be competing in in their sixth and final campaign for Hopedale. Captains Ben Stone and Connor Fitzgibbons, along with Ethan DeWolf, are seniors who are looking to end their cross country careers by adding yet another state title to the many the team already has. 

“These three give the team a really balanced approach. We are going to go out there and take it one meet at a time,” the coach said. “I don’t have a crystal ball that allows me to predict our future but I am sure this team is going to be special.”

Sophomore Quinn Cook has also shown Drugan some outstanding abilities thus far during practices. If he can stick with the rest of the team, and they can keep it all together while staying healthy and avoiding injuries, Drugan really won’t need a crystal ball as his team will be putting together a very interesting season.

“Being the number one runner is always tough, but any of the four mentioned could be that guy for us this year,” the coach said. “Right now, we just have to wait and see how things shake up.”

Although he didn’t list his entire team, Drugan noted that all of his athletes work extremely hard and are looking to make an impact. There are also a group of younger runners, who have run behind the scenes, that could even emerge into the forefront of Hopedale running this season.

Hopedale was scheduled to open the season on Sept. 8 against Nipmuc and Whitinsville Christian in a tri-meet. The Blue Riders will be shooting for their second straight CMAC Championship, despite not having one of its top runners; senior Ben Powell will not be able to run this fall due to a back injury. Although Drugan is fully invested in his team challenging for that state title, he knows it would have been a lot different if Powell had been able to run this season.

“Losing Ben could be a big factor,” the coach of 32-years said. “This team is going out and will be running for Ben, so we’ll see what happens.”

Hopedale has captured four state titles and been the runner-up three times under Drugan; and, although his team has not reached the top of the mountain since the 2016-17 season, he is hoping that history repeats itself this fall.