Country School Cross Country Shines at Inaugural Claire Rich Invitational

The Country School cross country teams turned in another outstanding performance at the inaugural Claire Rich Invitational, hosted by Hamden Hall in honor of their longtime legendary coach, Claire Rich. It was a perfect fall afternoon for running—cool and bright after a soggy morning, with the sun breaking through just in time for the races. 
Girls Extend Their Incredible Winning Streak
The Country School girls continued their extraordinary run of success, capturing first place once again to extend their unbeaten streak to 111 consecutive victories. The girls edged out Foote (2nd place), Hamden Hall (3rd), Hopkins (4th), and Elm City (5th).
Seventh grader Liv Killam and eighth grade captain Maddie Staib led the way with an electrifying sprint to the finish, taking second and third place, just out-leaning the Kingswood Oxford runner. Lucy Clark finished 5th, followed closely by Quinn Freeman in 6th, Francesca D’Andrea in 9th, Lexie Killam in 14th, Emily Antman in 16th, Emerson Freeman (5th grade) in 17th, Avery Hill (5th grade) in 30th, Jonah Benton in 31st, Harper Hill in 46th, and Stephanie DeLucca in 49th out of 68 runners.
It was a dominant team effort from top to bottom—one that showcased both veteran leadership and a promising new generation of runners.
Families lined the course, cheering loudly as runners from across the region sprinted for the finish. Afterward, athletes enjoyed apples, donuts, and water in a joyful celebration of camaraderie and competition—just as Coach Rich would have wanted.
Boys Take Fourth in Tight Battle
The boys’ race followed, and Henry Laurans delivered another commanding performance, capturing first place and maintaining his undefeated streak since his narrow loss in the opening meet of the season.
The Country School boys finished fourth overall, narrowly missing the podium by just two points behind Kingswood Oxford. They defeated teams from Independent Day, Hopkins, and Elm City, finishing behind Foote (1st), Hamden Hall (2nd), and Kingswood Oxford (3rd).
Behind Henry’s front-running effort, Luke Oulette (5th grade) took 20th, followed closely by Luca Laurans (4th grade) in 21st and Callum Pennington (4th grade) in 22nd—a tight pack of promising young runners showing the team’s bright future. Bradley Kopeikin (6th grade) placed 28th, Clark Pennington (5th grade) 30th, Jack D’Orlando (6th grade) 33rd, Ben Gelo (6th grade) 35th, Sam Gagliardi 44th (a personal best), Micha Benton 50th, Henrik Schmid 61st, Grady Wepler (4th grade) 65th, and Arlo McGahan 73rd out of 79 competitors.
Looking Ahead
With both teams showing strength, depth, and spirit, the Owls are focused on recovery and sharpening for their final home meet on Tuesday, followed by the State Championships next weekend.
Congratulations to all Country School runners and coaches for another memorable day—one that honored the legacy of Coach Claire Rich and celebrated the joy, effort, and unity at the heart of cross country running.
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341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443
P. 203-421-3113 |  Health Office F. 860-469-2550
Founded in 1955, The Country School is a coeducational, independent school serving students in PreSchool-Grade 8. The Country School is committed to active, hands-on learning and a vigorous curriculum that engages the whole child.

The Country School is a community where diversity is celebrated and people of Color are welcomed, valued and supported. 
 
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