The CHS cross country team has been around for many years now. Every runner on the team makes an impact. They always show up, put in their best work, and come with a smile. Cross country is a hard sport, and it takes the toughest people to participate.  The team has recently improved drastically. This year, runners Elaina and Juliana Pierce have made significant impacts to the success of the girls’ team. In an interview with KTR, Juliana Pierce reflected on their recent success when she said, “I’m very proud of the girls team this year… We’ve made many accomplishments.”  

The girls’ team won the Ragged Mountain Cup for the first time ever. This meet is unique because it is a 8-mile relay. The top 4 runners from each team all run 2 miles each. Then, the times of all the runners are added together and the team with the fastest time wins. Elaina Pierce, Julianna Pierce, Quinn Connaughton, and Jane Friesen led the Black Knights to victory. In the words of Jane Friesen, “We made history.” Elaina has won countless races this year and holds many course records. Her sister Juliana has followed close behind in her footsteps. 

On the boys’ team, runners  Sam Palmer and Nathaniel Orban have helped lead the strong pack. The boys have made a lot of progress over time. There’s been a trend of the boys sticking together in the front of many races, helping them build a strong lead. The boy’s team also won for the second time! When asking Sam if he thinks the boy’s team could win the race again, he said, “Of course, I think we can do it.” Both the girls’ and boys’ teams have made incredible progress this season. 

Members of both the girls’ team and boys’ team are looking forward to regionals, on Tuesday, November 4. Many runners are hoping for the best times of the season. States will follow soon after, and we are excited to see how far this team will go.