The cross country team has started back up again for the year, and it has already participated in and done well at two meets.

The team’s first meet, the Fleet Feet Kickoff Classic, took place at Quail Ridge Park on Wednesday, Aug. 26, and saw junior Zach Painter placing seventh overall in the Varsity boys’ race with senior Devin Hatten coming in at 19th in the same race.  At the First Capital Invitational meet at McNair Park on Aug. 28, the two varsity runners also placed highly, with Painter coming in at fifth and Hatten coming in at 13th.

These two were not the only runners to gain high marks at their meets as junior Lauren Coleman placed 18th at the Quail Ridge meet in the Varsity girls’ race and 19th at the McNair meet in the same run.  In addition, junior Taylor Fawcett placed 12th in the JV 5K run at McNair Park.  According to Head Coach Michelle Breuer, the team’s performance has been satisfactory.

“We’ve only had a few meets, but we’re doing all right so far.  They’re at a pretty good level for making it to districts or sectionals,” Mrs. Breuer said.

With such high accomplishments, Painter is excited for the coming months.  According to him, he and his teammates have high hopes for the season.

“Hopefully, we can do well at districts and get some people to go to sectionals this year,” Painter said.

The team is working hard to ensure these dreams are realized, usually running 15 miles per week at practices.  According to Hatten, hard work is a must-have in a sport like cross country.

“It’s a sport where if you don’t try your hardest when you’re here, then you really shouldn’t be here,” Hatten said.