CFNN Reporter Grace Sherbert & Gracie McLaurin

Gray’s Creek High School Cross Country runners practicing for the big meet by running around Cape Fear!

The Cross Country team hosted their first meet on Colt Territory this past Wednesday, August 31st. Three Cumberland County schools were in attendance: Grays Creek, Jack Britt, and Douglas Bryd. Jack Britt won the meet with the fastest times in both the boys and girls events. 

“I think we provide a really great course that runs between both the middle & high school.” said Head Coach Jose Acosta, when asked his thoughts on Cape Fear’s Course. 

Since hosting a meet on home territory only happens once a year, the coaches try to get the athletes to participate in preparing the course for the race. The team lines the course and places little flags to ensure all runners stay on the correct path. 

“We started near the bus lot, then went around Mac Williams Middle School, across the softball field, then came back around to the Cape Fear football field finally ending our race on the track at Cape Fear,” said team member Lakin Clevidence, who came in 11th in the girls race with a time of 27:39.

The 5k race that the athletes run is far from easy. It takes endless practice, hard work, and determination to finish this race. These athletes prepare daily to compete at the best of their abilities. 

“Our team has been training since June to get prepared for the start of the season, running countless miles, going to different trails, and doing multiple workouts,” said Coach Acosta.

The Colts had a good showing for both boys and girls. With a time of 21:17, Senior Maxwell Cabrera came in 15th overall in the boys race. Following Cabrera was Junior Taylor Woodard coming in 21st with a time of 22:11.

“Something I would most like to improve on is my breathing techniques and just to pace myself a little bit better,” said Katie Martin. Martin is a sophomore on the cross country team, and she finished 9th overall in the girls race with a time of 27:16. 

Catch the Colts next at Purnell Swett High School, September 7, 2022. Come and support your Cross Country Colts as they continue to improve their times!