This past Thursday, October 19th, the boys and girls varsity cross country team ran their way into the record books at their regional race.

Beginning at 3 at the Adams County Fairgrounds, each team ran the 5A Region 4 Course: a 5k course (3.1 miles) with limited hills allowing for faster speeds and times. The teams competed exceptionally, breaking record times and qualifying 11 team members for State this upcoming weekend. The entire varsity girls team qualified for state, all with times under 20 minutes. This year’s State team will include 9 girls, with 2 alternates. Although the boys team did not qualify for state, both Michael Mooney and Joseph Carwin qualified individually in the boys division.

Two star runners from last week’s race include seniors, Katelyn Mitchem and Michael Mooney, both breaking record times. Katelyn ran an outstanding PR of over 40 seconds, finishing in 17:59:10. Michael Mooney broke the school’s record with a time of 15:28:20. After months of preparing and fighting for his new title, Michael says, “it feels really good, I mean it was one of my goals coming into the season to beat the record, and I didn’t think I was going to do it at this course but it’s really exciting that I did.”

After a weekend of breaking records, this upcoming Saturday the qualifying cross country members will race at the Norris Penrose Equestrian Center. This year’s State course will consist of plenty of rolling hills, resulting in a harder course with slower times. Be sure to support your cross country runners as the girls fight for their third championship ring and Michael and Joseph for individual recognition.