The Shadow
On Saturday morning, November 11, around 10:30 a.m., the Varsity Lady Cougars’ Cross-Country Team headed to Cave Spring High School in Salem to participate in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 3 State XC Meet. This incredible group of young female athletes, under the guidance of Head Coach Jeremy Bartley and Assistant Coach Seth Davis, approached the starting line for one last time to show us all what they were made of.
According to the weather report, it was roughly 40 degrees Saturday morning when the cross-country ladies donned their shorts and sleeveless jerseys, ready to run amongst a group of 103 other student athletes and 11 other schools in the state.
There were seven Lady Cougars who competed in the event: Kiera Lowman (17:39.30), Macyn Cash (20:04.50), Nevaeh Wills (20:10.10), Faith Barron (20:53.10), Maggie Hensley (22:07.00), Hannah Hipes (22:40.40), and Meredith Minter (22:55.00). For Kiera Lowman, it was her second year in a row winning the number one spot in the state! As a team, the Lady Cougars finished in 5th place in the state of Virginia.
Head Coach Jeremy Bartley stated, “Our girls peaked again at the right time this year. We had 4 personal bests and two season bests. We are really proud of their effort. Kiera ran a phenomenal race. She took over at the 200-meter mark and just tested everyone. The private schools and the big schools ran on different courses, but Kiera had the #1 state girls time which says a lot. We joked that she is the ‘Ultimate VA State Champion.’ Our goals going forward are to develop our existing and new talent and move up closer to the front next year. We want to take both teams in 2024.”
Both teams in 2024 sound like a reasonable and attainable goal and we wish them all the best in this endeavor! In a previous article, it was noted these girls (and boys) get out there in the cold, wet, and even rain to compete. I spent my first cross-country event (as a sportswriter) huddling against a wall, sipping hot cocoa, and bundling up in a sweater, desperate to rub away the goosebumps while the rain trickled down. Meanwhile, the student athletes who surrounded me were seemingly unphased by the arctic temperatures and falling moisture. Most didn’t even bother to throw on a jacket or long sleeves. “Impressed” doesn’t cover the sentiment, but it’s the best I can do. Each of these teams have accomplished so much this season, and it has not been surprising, given their team spirit and athleticism, but it has absolutely been awe-inspiring.
Congratulations, Lady Cougars!
