Storylines
Ocean Lakes’ girls have won four state title in five years, but that run could end as the Dolphins graduated their top six runners. They’ll still be talented with Eva Wangen, Rebekah Graham, Elizabeth Gong, Zoey Pham, Scarlett Phillips, Jordyn Moore and Abby Blackmore. This could be a great season for the Dolphins’ boys, who are led by Fenton Million, Nathen Varghese, Ben Labert, Levi Pearson, Isaac Richardson, Brady Curulla and Rowan Smith.
This could be a special season for Princess Anne’s girls. The Cavaliers, who placed fourth in Class 5 Region A last season, are deep and talented, led by senior Caroline Haen, junior Rosie Perez, junior Penelope Channell and sophomore Makayla Spears. “This team is probably a year away from being really good,” said Cavaliers coach Kevin Rhue. “But if everyone stays healthy, they could threaten for a spot in the state championship.”
Kellam’s boys and girls teams should both be strong this season. The girls are led by reigning Class 5 Region A champion Myriam Garrouteigt. They also have junior Eva Jackson, senior Evie Constantineau, senior Natalie Blizzard, senior Katelyn Smith and twins Mia and Kate Spain. The boys are led by junior Finn Manny, who was seventh at the region meet and 30th at state. They also have junior Stryker Balk, junior Flynn Drury and senior Jackson Pruitt (12). A strong sophomore and freshman class make the Knights a contender.
The Hickory boys 4×800 relay of Tristan Fancher, Jonathan Baum, Tyler Trago and Zach Schubert will make up the core of this season’s cross country team. This quartet, all now seniors, won the Class 5 state indoor title and finished runner-up at the state outdoor meet. The Hawks also have seniors Daniel Mudd, Bryce Edmonson and Parker Brunner to add to their depth. “They will come on late in the season and likely challenge for both a region and state title,” said Hickory coach Jud Sarver. “This team can win it all.”
Grassfield coach Michael Sauer has reason to be excited as he brings back a team that is experienced and talented. The Grizzlies are led by Ben Giffing, Michael Sauer, Alex Temple, Alex Watterson, Brayden Thien and Drew Fedor. “If we stay healthy and continue our trend of improvement,” Sauer said, “the boys have an opportunity of finishing very well in the state meet.”
Landstown High School runners at the start of the boys 6A Regional Cross Country Meet Saturday morning, Nov.4,2023 at Bells Mill Park in Chesapeake. (Bill Tiernan for The Virginian-Pilot)
757Teamz top 10 boys runners
1. Maury senior Mateo Canga ran 15 minutes, 57 seconds to finish runner-up at the Class 5 state cross country meet
2. Jamestown sophomore Jonathan Grimm ran 16:00 to finish runner-up at the Class 4 state cross country meet.
3. Warwick senior Nate Cochran ran 16:38 to place eighth at the Class 5 state cross country meet.
4. Grassfield senior Ben Giffing ran 16:45 to place 23rd at the Class 6 state cross country meet.
5. Poquoson senior Jacob Wines ran 16:51 to place fifth at the Class 2 state cross country meet.
6. Catholic senior Josh Seidensticker ran 16:28 to place fourth at the VISAA Division I state cross country meet.
7. Cape Henry Collegiate senior Michael McKnew ran 16:57 to place 11th at the VISAA Division I state cross country meet.
8. Tabb senior Connor Wick ran 17:02 to place 24th at the Class 3 state cross country meet.
9. Grassfield senior Michael Sauer ran 17:19 to place 45th at the Class 6 state cross country meet.
10. Kellam junior Finn Manny ran 17:28 to place 30th at the Class 5 state cross country meet.
757Teamz top 10 girls runners
1. Poquoson senior Elizabeth Trant won the 3,200 (10:48.91) and 1,600 meters (5:00.57) at the Class 2 state outdoor meet.
2. Jamestown senior Emily Dahl ran 19:07 to place fourth at the Class 4 state cross country meet. She also won the Class 4 Region A title.
3. Great Bridge senior Abigail Crook ran 20:19 to place 13th at the Class 5 state cross country meet.
4. Cape Henry junior Brynn Barley ran 20:28 to place sixth at the VISAA Division II state cross country meet.
5. Great Bridge senior Magdelene Scott ran 20:41 to place 22nd at the Class 5 state cross country meet.
6. Cape Henry freshman Brynn Johnson ran 20:45 to place 10th at the VISAA Division II state cross country meet.
7. Kellam senior Myriam Garrouteigt ran 20:47 to place 24nd at the Class 5 state cross country meet. She also won the Class 5 Region A title.
8. Maury senior Sophia Sadr finished sixth in the 3,200 and eighth in the 1,600 to lead the Commodores to the Class 5 state outdoor title.
9. Hickory junior Alexis Rice ran 20:48 to place 26th at the Class 5 state cross country meet.
10 Jamestown senior Nettie Haines ran 20:50 to place 33rd at the Class 4 state cross country meet.
