On Saturday, Sept. 29, the boys cross country team successfully retained their ACAC title for the 3rd consecutive year. The top performers for the Patriots were Niklaus Smith, placing 2nd with a time of 17:35; Devin Schmenk, placing 5th with a time of 17:44; Jack Beauchot, in 6th with a time of 17:45; and Jared Connor, in 7th with a time of 17:48. All four earned 1st Team All-Conference honors, as part of the boys team’s dominant performance.
After willing himself to the top spot on the Heritage team in the meet, senior Niklaus Smith said, “I thought that we ran very well and were motivated to win another conference title. My goals for the rest of the season are to make It to semi-state as a team and individually.”
The girls team finished 3rd in the ACAC. Their top performers were Katie Graham, second team all conference, finishing 8th with a time of 21:56.9; Katelyn Sebring, with a time of 22:47.6, placing 17th; and Lilly Biggins, placing 19th with a time of 23:02.9.
“I didn’t do as well as I planned in ACAC so I am going to take that as a learning experience and do as well as I can for sectionals,” said the senior, Graham.
“This weekend was rough individually, but I am certain sectionals will go much better and times will be a lot lower than from conference. My goal for the rest of the season is to stay strong and get a better time this weekend,” said junior Lilly Biggins.
Both cross country teams will be in action for the sectional race at Bellmont High School on the Saturday, the 6th.