Boys and girls cross country worked hard at the first beach district meet last Wed., Sept. 14, 2022. Both teams placed first.

Although according to Coach Mike Nestor, “there’s no reward for winning [district meets],” said Coach Michael Nestor. “Some teams just jogged.”

To avoid burn-out or injury in the season, Nestor often instructs most students to jog. Most district meets are treated as practices. According to Nestor, the meets serve as a warm-up before state meets. Individual times are only considered to get an individual to states, so team events such as districts, are not considered important.

“I think the reason our team was able to do so well this past meet comes from the team’s overall persistence. Since July, our runners have been showing up consistently four to six days a week to train and work hard in the heat and humidity which, based on this past race, seems to have [paid off],” said runner of the meet, sophomore Grace Thompson.

Both teams also participated in the RVA Relays on Sat., Sept. 17, 2022. Girls placed 10th out of 51 teams, and boys placed 15th.

“We have been working hard and working together all summer, which has led to great team chemistry,” said junior Preston Haney.

They use this chemistry throughout the fall season when they compete on the weekends.

“I think this is especially true in our races when we have teammates running in pairs and groups to maintain a certain goal pace, and often for emotional support, to make sure everyone crosses the finish line,” said Grace.