The cross country team ended their season with a first place victory in the Liberty District for the boys team, and one of the most improved seasons for the girls.

Practices started early this August with many athletes anticipating the new season.

On October 27, the teams traveled to Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia, to compete in the 2011 Liberty District Championships.

The girls’ team had great individual races with all of the lady athletes creating new personal records.

Senior Virginia McGiboney ran a 20:01, while sophomore Valentina Golac followed closely behind with a 20:07.  Sophomore Molly Clough and junior Alli Carone finished shortly after.

Overall the girls team placed sixth in the competition behind Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, McLean, Langley, and Stonebridge respectively, ending the season for the team.

“I am really happy that all of the girls got a PR [personal record],” said Clough.  “It was a great way to end the season.”

The boys team saw success for the second year in a row.  Juniors Ashkan Mohammadi and Michael McHugh, as well as sophomore Nicholas DeAtley placed in the top fifteen fastest times.  Mohammadi placed fifth and ran a 16:14, McHugh placed eleventh and ran a 16:30, and DeAtley placed thirteenth and ran a 16:33.

Overall the boys team placed third, behind Thomas Jefferson and Stone Bridge.  The boys team will advance to the Northern Region Championships.

“We had a good season, we worked hard and showed lots of improvement,” said Mohammadi.  “As we continue to grow we are aiming to be one of the top teams in the region.”

The Northern Region meet will take place on November 3, at Burke Lake Park, and the State Championships are on November 12, at Great Meadow.

“Despite how young the team is, we managed to do pretty well in districts,” said McHugh.  “We are hoping to continue to get stronger throughout the years.”