With the start of the school year comes the start of many sports, including cross country.  The team kicked off the year with their first meet at Goodells Park on Sept. 7. 

The varsity boys started the season strong with a great run from senior Ryan Charles, coming in first at 19 minutes and 13 seconds, with junior Ja’wuan Jackson coming right behind at 19 minutes and 20 seconds. Freshman Austin Barnett ran strong in his first official race ever, coming in at 22 minutes and 54 seconds.

“It feels great to run varsity as a freshman, it gives me more of a chance to help my team and gives me more experience that I can pass down when they leave,” Barnett said. 

The J.V. boys came into the season with strong runs from freshmen Martino Mande and Parker Kinsora, and sophomore Jacob Farley. The boys made an amazing effort with Mande running first with a time of 22 minutes and 30 seconds, and Kinsora not far behind at 23 minutes and 51 seconds. Although Farley missed some practices this summer, he still finished strong coming in at 24 minutes and 50 seconds. 

The day wrapped up with the J.V. girls run. They started with sophomore Haley Anderson running first, finishing at 27 minutes and 30 seconds. Freshman Lillie Parker came in close to her with 27 minutes and 53 seconds. Junior Gracie Magee ran her first real run of the season, coming in third with 23 minutes and 30 seconds. Lastly, Brianna Alexander ran her first meet with a time of 25 minutes and 13 seconds.  

With the first meet of the season wrapped up, the team has high hopes for their next meet in Marysville on Sept. 10.

“I’m excited and I’m ready to put myself out there and do better at this meet,” Nankerivis said.