14 Country School Runners Qualify For Junior Olympics
Capping off a strong fall season for its cross country teams, including a fourth straight state championship and undefeated season for the girls, athletes from Country School raced on Sunday at the Connecticut Junior Olympics Championships, in Litchfield.
A top 30 finish in Connecticut earns the chance to race the best runners in the Northeast on November 23 in Massachusetts. From there, the top 30 at Regionals advance to the Junior Olympics National Championships in Indiana on December 13.
One podium performance came from eighth grade captain Henry Laurans, who placed second in the Boys 13–14 (4K) race. He did this while competing against many older runners and showed poise, confidence, and closing strength.
In the Girls 9–10 3K race, Lexie Killam earned a silver medal by snagging second overall in a competitive field. In the Boys 9–10 3K race, Luke Ouellet placed third to secure his podium spot at Regionals.
Across the board, every Country School athlete qualified for Regionals. Our runners also contributed to the success of the Danbury Hatters Running Club, which advanced seven teams to the Northeast Championships.
Additional Notable Results
• Boys 8 & Under 2K
Simon Ouellet finished 4th and Henry Clark finished 8th.
• Boys 9–10 3K
Along with Luke in 3rd, Luca Laurans placed 6th.
Clark Pennington was 9th and Callum Pennington was 10th, securing all four in the top 10.
• Girls 11–12 3K
Liv Killam lowered her personal record to place 5th in her age-group 3K.
Lucy Clark continued her outstanding racing to finish 10th with a gutsy race.
• Boys 11–12 3K
First-time Junior Olympian Bradley Kopeikin ran a courageous race to finish 22nd. Micah Benton finished 24th, closing strong in the final straight.
Part of the fastest Danbury Hatters team yesterday, eighth grade captain Maddie Staib blazed to a fifth place finish, 16:36, over a tactical course that includes the famous and brutal Windmill Hill.
High School Alumni Spotlight
Coming off the New England Prep School Championships the day before, Country School alumnus and former captain Luke Schupp placed 9th in the Boys 15–18 (5K) race.
The teams now enter two focused training weeks to prepare for Regionals. The athletes are excited, motivated, and competing with a belief in what is possible. The standard of effort, character, and team support continues to be the foundation of Country School’s cross country program.
341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443
P. 203-421-3113 | Health Office F. 860-469-2550
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.
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