SKXC Races to the Finish of the Season
The SKHS boys’ and girls’ cross country teams recently completed their last meet at the Rhode Island state meet in Ponagansett on November 18th. Sophomore Ellie Lawler broke the course record and took first place at the with an incredible time of 17:29. The boys finished in fifteenth place and the girls earned eighth with the help of Lawler’s record breaking run.
“Ellie ran an amazing race; but the girls’ team did not perform as well as we expected” stated girls cross country captain Naomi Fastofski. “Two of our best runners raced while recovering from illnesses, which put us at a disadvantage. Ellie really picked up the slack and helped our team place in the top ten.”
Lawler followed up her state-title winning performance with a second-place finish at the New England Championship in Thetford, Vermont. Lawler also competed in the annual Northeast Regional race at Van Cortlandt Park in New York City, where she finished eighth. Lawler will compete in the United States championship in San Diego California on December 12th.
The top runner for the boys’ team, Chris Lyons, said, “the course was very tough, because it had multiple hills.”
Lyons earned his best time of the season, improving it by 40 seconds.
Lawler is eager to represent South Kingstown as she races to the championship on Saturday. “I am excited to have the chance to run against such great competition” she said. “I don't have any specific place or time goals for the race, but I definitely hope to finish in a good position.”
