Chieftains produce a stellar season.

Byline: Bill Marsh

BOLTON - The Nashoba Regional high school boys cross country program has a long and storied past.

When it comes to running, the Chieftains have always been successful, and 2008 is no exception. This year's list of accomplishments is lengthy and varied.

First of all, the Chieftains ran the table during the regular season, posting a perfect 10-0 record. It was the second straight year that the boys cross country team has gone undefeated.

Nashoba also won the Midland-Wachusett League B Division championship with a 5-0 mark.

On Oct. 18, Nashoba won the 51st annual Wachusett Regional Invitational cross country meet.

In early October, the Chieftains finished fourth in the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association's (MSTCA) 17th annual Bob McIntyre Bay State Invitational cross country meet held at Franklin Park in Boston. In that invitational, Nashoba competed against 47 of the top Division 1 schools in the state.

Finally, last Thursday (Oct. 30), the Chieftains won the Mid-Wach League B Division Championship, which was held at Ghiloni Park in Marlboro (see results this page).

One of the reasons that the Chieftains have been so good for so many years is their coach Don Gribbons, who is in his 36th year at the helm.

"You have to be very pleased with how the kids ran this year," Gribbons said. "They have worked very hard at it, and we have had a great season."

The Chieftains top runner this season is junior Coby Horowitz, who is one of the best in Central Mass. Horowitz set the Nashoba course record this season. He finished the Chieftains 3.1-mile home course in 15 minutes and 51 seconds.

Horowitz also set a course record at the Mid-Wach B championships, finishing that 5K in 16:30.

"He (Horowitz) is a superior runner," Gribbons said. "He's up there with some of the best runners we've ever had. He is a very coachable kid, who is always willing to help out the other kids.

"Coby has a...