By Jasmine Zhang and Finley Becker
Believe has been the focus word for the Vestavia Hills Cross Country team this season, and at the state championships on November 11th, they did just that–believed.
The team traveled to Oakville, Alabama on November 10th, taking a quick jog around the course, and then headed to Decatur to rest and prepare for the state championship race the following morning.
The boys had a strong showing. They firmly believed in themselves and the team which led to them taking home their second consecutive blue map. The boys team finished with 45 total points, claiming back-to-back state championship titles. Vestavia Hills edged Huntsville and James Clemens who finished with 55 and 64 points respectively. The team’s time average was a quick 15:52.
The Rebels also had an individual state champion, Henry Strand. Strand won the 7A race with a time of 15:10.49 with the second-place finisher less than a second behind him.
The top 15 finishers in each division are recognized for their All-State Honors as well. Vestavia had four of the top fifteen finishers: Henry Strand (1st), JT Hayes (7th), Ethan Meadows (10th), and Jackson Mize (14th). The Varsity boys Cross Country team roster includes Max Armstrong (Senior), JT Hayes (Sophomore), Daniel Johnson (Freshman), Ethan Meadows (Sophomore), Jackson Mize (Sophomore), Drew Morris (Junior), Brennan Promer (Junior), Mitchell Schaaf (Junior), Henry Strand (Senior), and Mason Thompson (Sophomore).
The girls team pushed through against tough competition and finished 4th overall. The girls believed in themselves and each other, with the majority of the team dropping seconds off of their personal records, an incredible feat. The girls scored 131 points, beating James Clemens by 8 points for 4th place. The girls team’s 5k time average was an impressive 19:35.
Claire Spooner had an exceptional performance that Saturday morning, running a swift 18:36.09 and placing 6th overall in the girls 7A race.
Spooner and Kaitlyn Wende (15th) earned All-State Honors for their excellent placement in the top 15. The Varsity girls roster includes Finley Becker (Junior), Olivia Carroll (Sophomore), Kendall Feild (Junior), Maddie Hazelton (Sophomore), AJ Litty (Sophomore), Claire Spooner (Junior), Kaitlyn Wende (Senior), Riley Zeanah (Sophomore), Angela Zhang (Sophomore), and Jasmine Zhang (Junior).
As the Cross Country season officially ends, indoor track is just around the corner. The first indoor track meet is on December 2nd at the Birmingham Crossplex. Come out and support the Rebels as they start their indoor season off! As always, go Rebels!
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