Despite the challenges of this 2020 fall sports season, both the women’s and men’s Broughton cross country teams were able to overcome all adversity and place first and third in the Cap 7 Conference respectively. The teams were led by Coach Christian and Coach Solomon who have each worked hard to maintain safe and successful teams, along with their senior captains. Lillian Holmes, Allie Brown, and Jordan captained the women’s team, and Harrison Howell, Eric Benson, and Landon Soroka captained the men’s team. 

   Both of the cross country teams had winnings records in the conference this season. The men’s team claimed victory over Leesville, Sanderson, and Millbrook, but lost against Gibbons, and in a combined meet against Green Level and Panther Creek. The women’s team had the same results.

   Because of the results of the Conference meet, which is one of the pinnacles of the season, the teams were able to qualify for regionals, which took place on January 16. While neither of the teams qualified for states as a team, there were individual qualifiers including Miriam Ragsdale, Katie Wells, Dylan Core, and Landon Soroka. 

   Due to the pandemic, there were changes in the practicing procedures, meets, and even the makeup of the team. Cuts were made this year, with only 25 participants for each team allowed, and only two spectators per runner were allowed during the meets. Senior Lillian Holmes commented on her pride in her team. 

   “My favorite part of being a captain was seeing how our team grew and improved. This year’s season was definitely unique, so I was really proud of everyone’s endurance and commitment,” Holmes said. The women’s team definitely showed signs of growth, with freshman Miriam Ragsdale, senior Lillian Holmes, and senior Natalie Neal placing first, third, and fourth respectively, all running the 5k in under twenty minutes. Ragsdale had a fresh perspective of this season as it was her first year running, and she talked about a memorable moment for her. 

   “My favorite part of the season was meeting new people and getting to know them. It felt really good to win first place. I was really happy and proud of our team. The most memorable moment of the season was finding a snake in our bags,” said Ragsdale. 

   The men’s team had four finishers in the top fourteen in the Conference meet: Dylan Core, Landon Soroka, and Cooper Widmayer. 

   Coach Christian was clearly proud of this team and saw particular growth in the women’s team. 

   “I have to say, I am most proud of our girls’ team victory at the CAP 7 Championships. It was a tremendous team effort, and I am so proud of them believing in each other and what we do as a cross country program. I am always proud of what our teams accomplish but that race was very special for our seniors and the future of our program.”

   Congratulations to all of our Broughton cross country runners, and be sure to follow @bhssportscenter on Instagram for updates on all things Broughton sports.