11th Annual Country School Invitational: A Day for the History Books

October 8, 2024, was a day to remember for The Country School cross-country teams, as they delivered a pair of thrilling victories on their home course in Madison. Competing in the 11th Annual Home Invitational, both the girls' and boys' teams put on jaw-dropping performances, with the girls dominating their competition in a landslide to run their four-year undefeated record to 93 wins, and the boys pulling off a heart-stopping win by only a single point! The girls’ squad made history by scoring an incredibly low 25 points, blowing past second-place Adams Middle School (77 points) and Foote School (88 points) in the most commanding win the program has ever seen in a large meet. They also triumphed over St. John Paul ii, Hamden Hall, Hopkins, Our Lady of Mercy, Pine Point and IDS. Led by Captain Tillie K., who charged across the finish line in second place, the girls showcased their depth and power. Liv K. was right behind Tillie, in fourth, followed by a fierce pack: Maribel S. (5th), Veronica S. (6th), Quinn F. (8th), and displacers Emily A. and Lucy C., followed closely by the tenacious Oakley M. The team’s strength up front completely decimated the field, leaving no doubt about their dominance. Captain Ava K. and Jonah B. ran stride-for-stride for much of the race, pulling away toward the end to cap off an outstanding performance, while Captain Brynn D. delivered a gutsy final push to beat out runners from Hopkins, Hamden Hall, and Adams. The boys’ race was also the stuff of legend. In what may go down as one of the most thrilling finishes in Country School history, the boys eked out a one-point victory over Foote School, 57 to 58. The race came down to the final stretch, where every last ounce of energy and willpower was tested as the runners charged through the last 200 meters. At the heart of the victory was Henry L., who finished in 5th place with the ninth-fastest time in school history, bolstered by strong performances from Captain Zach B. (9th) and Tash F. (10th). In one of the day’s most exciting moments, Kieran F. unleashed a blistering sprint in the final seconds, securing 13th place and crucial points for the team. Captain Oliver M., tough as nails, surged into 20th place, barely edging out a Foote School competitor at the line. The boys’ depth shone through, with underclassmen Harper M, Sam G., and Arlo M., all turning in strong races, showing just how bright the future is for this squad. In total, the boys’ team, like the girls, outclassed St. John Paul ii, EC Adams, Foote, Hopkins, Hamden Hall, Our Lady of Mercy, Pine Point, Elm City, and IDS to secure their victory. On the girls' side, Tillie K.’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, clocking the fourth-fastest time in school history on the home course. Surprising standouts Veronica S. and Quinn F., who crossed over temporarily from soccer to bolster the team, added even more depth to this powerhouse lineup. As for the atmosphere? Perfect cross-country weather graced the runners, with a crisp fall chill in the air and a festive, competitive spirit that electrified the crowd. The course—a 3km (1.86 miles) test of grit over grass, trails, and sidewalks—was lined with cheering fans and parents from all schools, as the runners pushed through every hill and trail with heart. Next up for the teams is a race next week, followed by the McGee Invitational on Saturday, where they’ll look to extend their remarkable winning streak. But for now, they’ll savor this moment—a day of triumph that will be talked about for years to come.