The girls cross country season has had a mix of many things: wins, laughter… and even pancakes.

“I brought my skillet out and, while they were running, I was cooking pancakes,” said coach Nick Mangum. He was referring to many Saturday morning practices, coach Mangum would cook a fresh breakfast for the team. 

The first notable win came when the Crusaders won their 15th state championship, winning the 4A title for a second year in a row. They were 74 points ahead of second-place, tied for the ninth-largest margin of victory in N.C. High School Athletic Association history.

The next win came in the southeast regional, where they came in fourth last year but were determined to have a different outcome this time. With hard work and determination, the Crusaders came in first place and earned their spot at the Nike XC Nationals competition in Portland.

Nationals are this weekend. 

Their journey to success was not an easy one. The girls started training back in June with morning practices. Later in the season and as the weeks went on, they built up their fitness in preparation for their meets. 

The cross country season is one of the longest sports seasons, because of this, the girls have to work hard on maintaining their fitness through the long period of time, as well as working on their mental game. Another important factor of the girl’s success was motivation. 

“The easiest thing to say (what motivates me) would be my team,” said senior Adelynn Mitchell.

After seeing the team’s success over their season, it is clear they are driven. The team pushes each other to do their best as well as pushing each other to victory. 

The girls were able to build a strong connection and bond with each other. This was a result of many things including practicing together Monday through Saturday, having meals together after practice, and even going to a camp together in Asheville over the summer. The team takes a charter bus up to Asheville where they spend a week together continuing to form their bond.  

The girls season will come to an end after nationals on Dec. 7. Competing for the Crusaders will be Kaitlyn Estep, Anneka Hill, Addy Mitchell, Katherine Pagorek, Hannah Rae Shaffer, Luci West, and Maggie Whitham.