Introducing James as the Cross Country Captain for 2025

Racing to Greatness: James's Journey of Leadership, Dedication and Marcellin Pride

Congratulations to James, who has been named Cross Country Captain for 2025.

From the courts of basketball to the tracks of long-distance glory, Year 12 student James has quietly built a legacy of athletic excellence and leadership at Marcellin College. A proud member of Faulkner House and guided by Pastoral Leader Connie Sassano, James began his schooling journey at Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC) and has never looked back.

James’s athletic career at Marcellin began on the basketball court, competing from Year 7 to Year 10. But it was in Cross Country and Athletics, where he truly found his stride from Year 10 onwards, that James began to make his mark. Debuting for the Cross Country team in Year 10, James has proudly represented the College at major events, including the prestigious All Schools Track and Field Championships, where he competed in both the 800m and 1500m finals.

His highlight so far? Earning a silver medal in the 2024 All Schools Road Relays—a testament to his grit and determination on the training track.

Balancing elite sport and academic life is no small feat, but James does it with remarkable discipline. His weekly routine includes running six days a week, with structured training sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays—plus race days on Saturdays. When he’s not pounding the pavement, he’s hitting the books, dedicating two hours each night to study, ensuring nothing is left to chance in his Year 12 studies.

Now stepping into the role of Cross Country Captain, James is excited by the opportunity to mentor and inspire younger students.

“Cross Country and Athletics run together from Year 7 to 12. I’m really looking forward to guiding the younger boys, not just in sport, but through their whole Marcellin journey. It’ll help grow my leadership skills too, which will benefit me in life beyond school.”

James is passionate about building a strong, supportive culture and is focused on one clear goal: helping Marcellin win its 25th consecutive Cross Country title.

His advice for junior athletes? Simple, but powerful: “Give everything a go and enjoy the process and what you do.” It's a mindset that’s served James well throughout his years of training and competition.

Outside Marcellin, James continues his sporting pursuits with the Koonung Comets and Camberwell Dragons in basketball, and proudly competes in athletics for the Box Hill Athletics Club—a program renowned for producing top-tier talent.

As James enters his final year, his vision is clear: lead with integrity, train with purpose, and race with heart. With a legacy already taking shape, James Martino is a name to remember—a young man running toward success with every stride.

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