(Courtesy/Claire C.)

Last Saturday, September 19, boys cross-country hosted the annual Viking Invitational, where the Vikes finished 2nd and were headlined by junior Jude S. who finished in 4th place, running a new personal best of 18:57. 

The familiar terrain provided a nice advantage as everyone who ran had a new personal best, with the highlights being freshman Rory A. running a 19:45, sophomore Ryan W. running a 19:53, and senior captain Luke K. running a 20:37. “The underclassmen run with pride, and we see that by how they improve week by week,” said senior captain Andy B. 

Each week, a new runner steps up to the occasion as leading seniors Andy B. and Giuseppe P. were unable to race due to injury and illness. This week, it was junior Jude S., as he was able to show up when it mattered. “We’re glad to have someone like Jude on our team. He works hard in practice, the weight room, and in the classroom. He sets a good example for our younger guys on the team that look up to him,” said senior captain Luke K. 

The following week, the boys traveled up to Heath to compete in the Don Hardin Invitational. The Vikes were led by senior Giuseppe P. who ran an 18:57, marking a new seasonal best and a 15th overall finish. The boys finished 5th out of the 9 teams.

This was the most challenging course of the season so far, as the hilly parts proved difficult as expected. Yet six runners achieved a new personal best. Rory A. ran a 19:34, sophomore Ryan W. ran a 20:07, and senior Luke K. ran a 20:31. “With the CBL meet approaching soon, I am excited to see how the team does in the upcoming meets, “ said Luke. 

The leadership of this team shows to have an effect, as each week, the boys show up prepared no matter what the conditions are, and it is because of the captains on this team.

Looking ahead, the Vikes will be competing in the Panther Invitational at Pickerington North on October 3.

Senior night takes place the week after on October 6.