Country School Girls Capture Fourth Straight State Cross Country Title

Teamwork, Grit, and a Thrilling Finish Define Another Championship Day at Wickham Park

Under bright sunshine, with gusts of wind up to 30 miles per hour and a course slick from rain, Country School girls’ cross country team once again proved their mettle at the Connecticut Middle School State Championships at Wickham Park. For the fourth year in a row, Country School captured the state title, triumphing over both public and private schools from across Connecticut.

This year’s race was as dramatic as it was muddy. The 2.3-mile course tested runners’ endurance, balance, and resolve—but Country School’s depth, leadership, and determination carried the day.

Led by eighth-grade captain Maddie Staib, who finished 6th overall in 14:30, the team showed remarkable consistency. Seventh-grader Liv Killam turned in an outstanding performance, placing 12th overall as the team’s second finisher. Veteran runner Lucy Clark added critical points with her 26th-place finish, while eighth grade captain Quinn Freeman (43rd) and newcomer Francesca D’Andrea (59th) completed the scoring five.

But the championship came down to the slimmest of margins—a tie in team scoring. In cross country, ties are broken by the sixth runner’s finish, and that’s where fifth grader Lexie Killam made history. Charging through the second half of the race, Lexie passed 42 runners, crossing the line in 16:22 and beating the other team’s sixth runner by 14 seconds to secure the overall state title for Country School. Fellow fifth grader Emerson Freeman rounded out the top seven in 16:53, helping to demonstrate the program’s promising future.

Coach Will McDonough praised the team’s grit: put this in your own words, of course, Will.

“It’s not often you see a championship come down to your sixth runner—and for a fifth grader to rise to that moment says everything about our culture of teamwork and heart.”

The boys’ team also turned in an impressive performance, finishing 10th overall against top competition from across the state. Captain Henry Laurans led the way in 14:03, followed by captain Tash Frus in 16:01. Fifth grader Luke Ouellet impressed in 16:16, with sixth graders Bradley K….(17:02) and Ben Gelo (17:40) close behind. Fifth grader Clark Pennington (18:01) and Jack D’Orlando (18:24) rounded out the top seven—setting strong benchmarks for next season.

In the 1.7-mile B Division race, Country School’s developing runners gained valuable experience against a large, competitive field of several hundred athletes, showing depth and promise for the years ahead. Adriana and Will – – can you drop in the B performers, please?

Four consecutive state championships reflect more than talent—they showcase the discipline, camaraderie, and resilience that define Country School athletics.

Coach Castillo said; “ I am so proud of our B racers! Their determination and commitment truly shone as they charged toward the finish chute. Each racer gave their best effort, showing incredible spirit and teamwork. It’s inspiring to see how much they support one another and strive for excellence—both for themselves and for the team. Congratulations to all on an outstanding performance- I look forward to continuing to work with them and watching them grow.”