CROSS COUNTRY
It's a great day for a run 🏃♀️ Cross Country: Jonathan Sawyer runs a big PR (24:27) and Celeste Claypool posts a season-best 25:07 at the Cudahy Invitational. Up next: Wisconsin Lutheran Invitational, Thurs. 10/8 at McCarty Park! 🏃 • Let's Go Popes!
A New Chapter Begins For Pius XI Cross Country
A new era is underway for the Pius XI Cross Country program as Coach Scott Burazin takes the reins, bringing a lifelong passion for running, a commitment to developing student-athletes, and an exciting vision for the future of the Popes.
Originally from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Coach Burazin's love for the sport began in seventh grade and continued through a successful collegiate running career at Concordia University–St. Paul. His years of competitive experience have shaped his approach to coaching, giving him a deep understanding of the dedication, discipline, and perseverance required to succeed.
After college, Coach Burazin began his career in education as a paraprofessional with South Washington County Schools while building an impressive coaching background with youth athletes. Coach Burazin has coached flag football, soccer, track & field, basketball, and baseball at the youth level. He has focused on creating positive experiences that encourage growth and inspire athletes to reach their full potential.
Now, he is eager to bring that same energy and enthusiasm to Pius XI.
"I believe in creating an environment where every athlete is challenged to grow while feeling like a valued member of the team," Burazin said. "Success is built through hard work, accountability, perseverance, and encouraging one another to be the best versions of ourselves."
That philosophy will serve as the foundation of the program as the Popes prepare for the upcoming season. Coach Burazin's vision extends beyond race times and finishes. His goal is to develop competitors who support one another, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives. With a focus on continuous improvement throughout the season.
As he joins the Pius XI community, Burazin is excited for the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with his athletes and establish a culture centered on teamwork, commitment, and personal growth.
"I am honored to join the Pius XI community and look forward to building a Cross Country program that emphasizes growth, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence," Burazin said. "I'm excited to work alongside our student-athletes and help them achieve success in competition, in the classroom, and in life."
With a coach whose passion for the sport matches his dedication to developing young people, the future is bright for Pius XI Cross Country. As a new season approaches, the Popes are ready to embrace a fresh beginning and take the next step together under Coach Burazin's leadership!
Popes Rise to the Challenge at Wisconsin Lutheran Invite
The Pius XI Cross Country team took on one of its toughest fields of the season at the Wisconsin Lutheran HS Invite at McCarty Park. The meet drew a deep lineup of high-level teams, including several larger Division 1 schools, on a fast, flat course, and the Popes rose to the occasion!
Sawyer Keeps Dropping Time
Jonathan Sawyer continued his remarkable improvement this season, running 23:14 in the Boys JV race to place 256th out of 291 runners. That's more than a minute faster than his time just one week ago!
Girls JV: Sanchez Leads, Hernandez Debuts
Joceline Sanchez led the way for Pius XI in the Girls JV race, running 28:31 to place 195th out of 222. Senior Maritza Hernandez made her Lady Popes debut, finishing in 35:17 to place 200th. Welcome to the team, Maritza!
Girls Varsity: Claypool and Pierret Run Fast
In the Girls Varsity race, Celeste Claypool ran 23:21 to place 99th out of 106 competitors, and Molly Pierret finished in 24:55, placing 106th. Both runners posted big drops from last week.
From the Coach
"Everyone that competed ran very well and put themselves in position to run fast," said Head Coach Scott Burazin. "This meet featured a lot of quality competition both from an individual and team standpoint, including a number of bigger D1 schools. I believe that it was good for us to be exposed to this level of competition as it brought the best out of the team."
Coach Burazin added, "This meet showed us as coaches that our team is improving and are prepared to run our best as championship season approaches."
Up Next: Conference Championships!
The Popes return to McCarty Park on Thursday, October 15, for the Park Ridge Conference Championships. Come out and cheer them on!
Go Popes! 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Popes Push Through Fatigue at Cudahy Invitational
The Pius XI Cross Country teams took to the course at Sheridan Park for the Cudahy Invitational, and despite coming off a demanding training cycle, the Popes delivered some impressive performances!
Sawyer Smashes His PR
Jonathan Sawyer kicked things off in the Boys JV race with a massive personal record of 24:27, placing 52nd out of 74 runners. Jonathan keeps improving week after week. As a young runner, he's learning how to pace himself, and it's paying off as his times keep dropping.
Claypool and Pierret Battle in Girls Varsity
In the Girls Varsity race, Celeste Claypool ran a season-best 25:07 to place 27th out of 37 runners, and Molly Pierret finished 30th in 26:02.
This meet capped off a tough two-week training cycle designed to push the runners outside their comfort zones. With that heavier training load came some expected fatigue, but Celeste and Molly dug deep, moving up throughout the race and passing runners along the way.
Up Next
The Popes compete next at the Wisconsin Lutheran HS Invitational on Thursday, October 8, at McCarty Park. Come out and cheer them on!
Go Popes! 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Cross Country Battles the Elements at Brown Deer Invitational
The Pius XI Cross Country teams competed at the Brown Deer Invitational, battling rain and a wet, muddy course.
Boys
Freshman Jonathan Sawyer made his Popes debut in the Boys Varsity race, covering the 5K in 27:22, good for 28th place out of 38 runners.
Girls
In the Girls Varsity race, Sophomore Molly Pierret finished 8th out of 26 runners with a time of 25:44, while Senior Joceline Sanchez finished 12th in 28:30.
Coach Scott Burazin had this to say:
"Jonathan ran well. It was his first race, and it seemed like he became more comfortable as the race continued. I believe he will continue to grow in his fitness as the season progresses.
The girls did a great job competing. Molly did a great job running an even race, as she moved up through the pack as the race evolved. Joceline isn't afraid to get out fast and compete against her opponents. For both of them to finish in the top 15, and the belief that comes from it, will carry them throughout the season."
The Popes are back in action next week at the Trojan Invitational at Humboldt Park on Friday September 25th. .
Girls Cross Country Opens Season at Whitnall Invitational
The Pius XI Cross Country teams opened their season at the Whitnall Invitational, held at Hales Corners Park.
Senior Joceline Sanchez led things off in the Girls JV race, running a time of 31:56 to place 48th out of 60 runners.
In the Girls Varsity race, Senior Celeste Claypool and Sophomore Molly Pierret raced side by side for much of the day, crossing the line just two seconds apart — Claypool in 25:32 (46th) and Pierret in 25:34 (47th), out of a field of 55 runners.
Coach Scott Burazin had this to say about the team's first outing of the season:
"I liked the competitiveness that the team showed during their races. We got off to strong starts, but found challenges in the middle of the race, and some of those were out of their control. All three girls finished the last mile of their races strong, passing runners along the way. The first race of the year can be uncomfortable as everyone is getting their racing legs back under them. This is a good benchmark to have as we look to improve as the season progresses."
The Popes are back in action at the Brown Deer Invitational on Thursday, September 17th, at Brown Deer Park. The Boys race starts at 4:00 PM, followed by the Girls race at 4:45 PM.
2026-27 Varsity Cross Country
HISTORY
2025-26 Varsity Cross Country
Pius XI Cross Country: Building Champions Mile by Mile
The Pius XI Cross Country program represents decades of dedication to athletic excellence and character development in Milwaukee's running community. Competing in the challenging Woodland Conference, the Popes have built a tradition that emphasizes both individual achievement and team unity.
Program History and Achievements Cross country at Pius XI has produced numerous conference champions, state qualifiers, and All-Conference selections throughout its history. The program has consistently competed at the sectional level, with multiple teams and individual runners advancing to state competition over the years.
The Popes have established themselves as regular contenders in conference championships, with both boys and girls teams earning recognition for their competitive performances. Alumni from the program have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, continuing their running careers at universities across the Midwest.
Training and Competition Pius XI cross country teams train on various courses throughout the Milwaukee area, developing the endurance, speed, and mental toughness required for success in distance running. The program emphasizes gradual progression, proper training techniques, and injury prevention while building the competitive spirit that defines Pius XI athletics.
Home meets showcase the strong community support that surrounds all Pius XI athletic programs, with students, families, and alumni gathering to cheer on the runners as they pursue personal bests and team goals.
Character Through Competition The cross country program embodies the school's Catholic mission by developing young athletes who demonstrate perseverance, self-discipline, and support for their teammates. The individual nature of distance running, combined with the team scoring format, teaches runners to pursue personal excellence while contributing to collective success.
Continuing the Tradition Today's cross country athletes build upon the foundation established by previous generations of Pope runners, maintaining the program's reputation for competitive excellence and sportsmanship that has become synonymous with Pius XI athletics.
