CROSS COUNTRY
It's a great day for a run 🏃♀️ CROSS COUNTRY opened the season at the Whitnall Invitational! Sr. Celeste Claypool (25:32) and Soph. Molly Pierret (25:34) raced the Varsity race together ; Sr. Joceline Sanchez ran JV. • Up next: Brown Deer Invitational, Thursday 9/17 — Boys 4:00 PM, Girls 4:45 PM. Go Popes! • 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!
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.
