As the sun rose on Friday, Aug. 27, the cross country team officially began their season at the Vista Ridge Invitational. With over 30 teams competing, the athletes pulled off several impressive victories. The varsity boys team snagged second place overall, and the varsity girls came in seventh with several personal records across the board. The full results can be found here.

In the 5000-meter run, Preston Sanderville ‘23 earned eighth place overall with a personal record of 16 minutes and 8 seconds. Seniors William Murray and Ganesh Kumarappan also clocked faster times, finishing in 17th and 25th place respectively.

“I think I set up the first mile pretty well, keeping in contact with that front pack,” Murray said. “But then I started hitting all the rocks and stuff like that and the spikes and it was just kind of tough.”

Other runners, despite their victories, reflected on the notoriously difficult terrain at the Vista Ridge course. Priya Gangadharan ‘23 has had a series of impressive times in this event, and she managed to surpass those and earn fourth place in the 5K with a time of 18 minutes and 49 seconds.

“They got rid of the massive hill from my freshman year, so I was pretty glad about that,” Gangadharan said. “But the course was still pretty tough.”

Despite the challenges on the course, the athletes were able to persevere and earn several accolades and personal achievements. The team is optimistic about their chances of advancing to state this season.

“It really shows, especially in this first race, how we’ve been developing,” Gangadharan said. “If they can do PRs in their first race, you don’t know what’s yet to come this season.”

The Warriors will compete again at the Pro-Fit Invitational next Friday, Sept. 3.