ROCK HILL – The Fort Mill boys cross-country team opened their season with about as strong of a showing as one could possibly have as they won the 2020 Trojan Invitational.
However, it was Catawba Ridge’s Sam Rich who stole the show winning the boys individual race in what could be an event and course record time of 15:35. The meet was held at Northwestern and long-time cross-country coach for the Trojans’ Calvin Hudgins, said he doesn’t remember anyone running a faster time in the event.
The Fort Mill boys won with a score of 69, which was followed by Dorman with an 84 and Greer Middle College with an 89. Dorman are the defending 5A state champions.
“They are right on track,” said Fort Mill cross country co-head coach Lee Whitaker. “I like where they are. They are in a good spot.”
Although it was their first meet of the season, Whitaker said the win sets a tone especially against teams such as Dorman and TL Hanna, who finished fourth. Whitaker said if Fort Mill keeps improving, they could be a contender for a state title, adding, “I think we can be in the conversation.”
Leading the way for Fort Mill boys was Evan Way, who finished eighth overall in 17:00. He was followed by Devon Sibley at 10th in 17:04 and Alec Lootens in 17:19 at 12th. Evan Ickert finished 18th in 17:38 and Jackson Dawson came in 21st in 17:45 to wrap up the scoring.
Catawba Ridge boys were fifth overall and the first 4A team to finish.
“The fact we are hanging with 5A competition as a 4A school says a lot,” said Copperheads’ head coach David Helms.
Behind Rich winning time was Caden Westover at 11th in 17:05, followed by Joshua Silverman in 15th in 17:22. Spencer Predmore finished 41st in 18:36 and Ty Massey was 44th to end the scoring for the Copperheads in 18:39.
In the girls’ race won by Greer Middle College, Fort Mill finished third overall with a score of 57 and Catawba Ridge was a distant fourth with a score of 148.
Fort Mill was led by Avery Moriarty in ninth overall with a 21:19. She was followed in 10th by Alivia Cleveland in 21:27 and Angel Kravitz in 11th in 21:36. Elise Barradale finished 13th in 21:56 and Regan Hodge was 21st in 22:17.
Catawba Ridge was led by Maddy Mack in seventh overall in 21:10 and then things dropped off for the Copperheads as they finished 39th through 42nd. Hayla Banish was 39th in 23:28, Kayla Maher was 40th in 23:46, Talia Gluff was 41st in 23:49 and Phoebe Corn was 42nd in 23:51.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
