Wednesday, Nov. 18, kicked off the 2020 season for Northwood’s Cross Country team. With a late start due to distance learning and the pandemic, runners and coaches were ready to start the season.
“Due to coronavirus, this is definitely going to be a unique cross country season,” says senior Brooke Beal. “I am happy to get back [to] running with the team and being able to see everyone. We have a lot of new people on the team this year, which is always very exciting. It’s definitely harder with some of the covid restrictions but I look forward to racing with everyone and having a great last season at Northwood.”
Wednesday’s match was hosted at Northwood and Northwood runners competed against runners from East Chapel Hill and Orange High Schools. In the boys race, Northwood placed first with East Chapel Hill in second and Orange in third. In the girls race, East Chapel Hill placed first with Northwood in second and Orange in third.
Due to coronavirus precautions, only 9 runners were allowed in each race per team. Two races were held — one for girls and one for boys. Runners participating in the race were allowed to bring two guests. Guests were spaced out in the bleachers.
The night also featured a celebration for senior runners including Malachi Levy, Carter Pippen, Glenn Porter, Matthew Broome, Mary “Tessa” Yell, Oliva Riggsbee, Elizabeth Cremeans and Brooke Beal.
“Being a senior on this team means a lot to me, watching how much we have grown since I first started four years ago,” says senior and co-captain Malachi Levy. “I hope that this season, despite the challenges, is our best one yet.”
Seniors were honored with their parents through a ceremony after the meet. Banners were also hung with baby pictures and first running pictures.
After the match, seniors were further honored with a dinner at Camp Royall at their outside picnic pavilion.
“I love this team and glad that I was a part of it the past four years,” says senior and co-captain Mary Yell.
Photos by Elizabeth Cremeans.
