The Brentwood Christian School cross country program started off the season strong on both boys and girls sides, with talented runners, an experienced head coach, and wonderful attitudes.
Due to moving up a classification this season, going from TAPPS 4A to 5A, their main goals are simple: to compete well and work hard.
“This will be more of a growing season for us as we train new runners, get into shape, and have to compete at a higher level with being in 5A,” said head coach Katie Smith.
At the Savio Early Bird Invitational, the first meet of the season, Juniors Harper and Hailyn Counts placed first and third. Sophomore Lynden Worley also placed 17th. On the boys side, Junior Hollis Harlan placed sixth and junior Nico Napper placed 13th.
“We have one of the best runners in the state in Harper Counts,” Smith said. “Hailyn Counts, Lynden Worley, and [senior] Afton Harlan as well are [going to be counted on heavily]."
Many on campus recognize the cross country athletes not just as runners, but a strong presence in general.
“They are just really good kids…they are good athletes, they are good runners, but they are also good friends and good leaders,” said Smith.
Worley got 30th at the McNeil Invitational in her division on September 21st. Also, at this meet, Harper Counts got 48th in the “Gold” division, the top classification at the meet. On the boys side, Hollis Harlan got 60th. All races were 5Ks. Thus far, both genders are pleased with their results.
“The team is so amazing and it's so fun to run with them,” Hailyn Counts said.
This season, the team hopes to qualify as many runners as possible and place at state. The cross country teams depend on each other and are supportive of the people around them. They are not afraid to do challenging things, and do so together.
“We are all putting in the effort and getting stronger together,” said Worley.
“We know our goals,” added Afton Harlan. “We all have a drive to be better and make ourselves better and to help each other get better."
The team has strong seniors and upperclassmen who are people of integrity and great leaders, even through difficult circumstances and challenging races.
“Even though it's not always the best to run, my teammates are always there,” Afton Harlan said.
Beyond running and competing, the athletes have a different purpose in mind.
“Our motto [from last year] was to ‘Run as One,’ I think that means that we all run individually, but all running for one purpose, and that is for the glory of God and to build each other up,” said Worley.
The Bears and Lady Bears hosted their sixth annual BCS Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 5 (check out link below or team pages for full results) and will host the TAPPS District 2-5A Meet at home on Saturday, Oct. 19. The TAPPS State Cross Country meet is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 28 at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course in Waco.
