This fall, the Cross Country team had an impressive season, wrapping up with a record of 7 wins and 2 losses, even though the season was cut short by unusual weather.

The girls’ team contributed 3 wins and 1 loss, while the boys’ team boasted 4 wins and 1 loss. The boys’ loss was particularly close, with narrow time margins demonstrating their competitive spirit.

Despite the relatively large size of the team this year, Coach Ted Sadtler was proud of how the athletes came together, noting, “It felt like a small team . . . there were excellent groups of friends, and cliques weren’t a problem.” This strong sense of mutual support was key to the team’s success and helped foster lasting friendships amongst the runners.

A few key meets, including two of their biggest away meets at Darlington and IMAXC State, were canceled due to unpredictable weather, limiting the opportunities for the team to race. Despite these setbacks, the athletes maintained their focus and pushed themselves during the events they could attend. 

Additionally, the cross-country season came to an abrupt end when Hurricane Helene struck. The hurricane caused significant damage to the team’s training trails, leaving many of the routes unusable. The storm also forced the cancellation of several remaining meets, putting a sudden and early end to what had been a promising season.

Victoria Jones finished as the top runner for the girls, running strong and steady races to claim the top spot. Her performances showed hard work and dedication. On the boys’ side, James Justice took the lead, finishing as the top boy runner. His speed and focus helped him outrun the competition and secure the win. Both Victoria and James showed what can be achieved with perseverance and effort, making them stand out in this cross-country season.