Country School XC Teams Sweep Foote School at Home
Under perfect late-September skies, with a large and enthusiastic crowd lining the course, The Country School cross-country teams turned their home campus into a showcase of competition, camaraderie and the kind of leadership that has become a hallmark of the program. When the dust had settled, both Country School teams had earned victories over Foote School — the girls by a commanding 19–40 margin and the boys by 25–33. For the Country School girls, the victory extended one of the most remarkable streaks in the school’s athletic history. With the win, the girls have now gone 111 consecutive meets without a loss, extending their historic five-year unbeaten run. And they did it with depth. The Country School girls occupied first, second, third, sixth, seventh, ninth, 10th, 11th and 16th places, putting racing pressure on Foote School throughout the race.Leading the way was eighth-grade captain Liv Killam, who won the 3-kilometer race in an impressive 12:07, establishing a personal record. Liv was followed across the finish line by 8th Grade captain Lucy Clark, who ran 12:58, while fellow 8th Grade captain Francesca DeAndrea completed the Country School sweep of the top three with a personal-best 13:04. The depth continued with 7th Grader Greta Scott, competing in her first Country School home race, finishing sixth in 14:20. Sixth-grade standout Lexie Killam was seventh in 14:21, followed immediately by hard-sprinting 8th Grade captain Emily Antman in 14:22. Soccer player and rapidly improving distance runner Lucy Sharp crossed in 10th place in 14:27, followed by 6th Grader Emerson Freeman, in 15:06, who kicked in to hold off a hard-charging Foote competitor. Emerson was a particularly valuable presence on the course, supporting her teammates and helping bring the team together. Fifth grader Zoe Robinson rounded out the Country School scoring group, finishing 16th in 17:24 and racing with Foote School runners on her way to the finish.
The boys’ race provided another glimpse of what will be a very promising future for a young Country School team. The boys were led by 6th Grader Clark Pennington, who ran a personal-best 12:43 over the 3K course — the second-fastest 6th Grade time ever recorded by a Country School student. Luca Laurans followed in 13:09, recording the second-fastest 5th Grade time ever at Country School. Luke Ouellet was right behind Luca in 13:11, the fourth-fastest 6th Grade time ever, while Callum Pennington ran 13:12, the third-fastest fifth-grade time ever. Bradley Kopeiken, showing important leadership on the team, flashed across the finish line as the critical fifth runner, running 13:52 to help defeat Foote. That remarkable group of young runners gave Country School an imposing presence near the front of the race. Eighth-grade captain Edward Barney followed in 13:52, with 5th Grader Grady Wepler running 16:36 and 8th Grader Kyle Jacobson finishing in 17:03. Country School runners ultimately claimed third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, 13th, 15th and 16th places, enough to secure the 25–33 victory. But on this afternoon, the results were only part of the story. With younger runners watching, the older Country School athletes provided an equally important lesson in leadership — encouraging teammates, cheering from the course and showing younger students what it means to compete for one another as well as for themselves.
After the races, the competitive intensity gave way to the simple pleasures of a home meet. The runners gathered around the food provided by parent volunteers, laughter filled the campus, and students took advantage of the swings before heading home.For a program built on tradition, teamwork and mentorship, it was an afternoon that captured what Country School cross country is all about.The two teams will see Foote School several more times during the season, including at The Country School Invitational in October. For now, though, the runners get a chance to recover, train and prepare for their next major challenge: a multi-school race on Thursday, October 1. The streak continues. The young boys continue to emerge. And the Country School cross-country season is just getting started.
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The boys’ race provided another glimpse of what will be a very promising future for a young Country School team. The boys were led by 6th Grader Clark Pennington, who ran a personal-best 12:43 over the 3K course — the second-fastest 6th Grade time ever recorded by a Country School student. Luca Laurans followed in 13:09, recording the second-fastest 5th Grade time ever at Country School. Luke Ouellet was right behind Luca in 13:11, the fourth-fastest 6th Grade time ever, while Callum Pennington ran 13:12, the third-fastest fifth-grade time ever. Bradley Kopeiken, showing important leadership on the team, flashed across the finish line as the critical fifth runner, running 13:52 to help defeat Foote. That remarkable group of young runners gave Country School an imposing presence near the front of the race. Eighth-grade captain Edward Barney followed in 13:52, with 5th Grader Grady Wepler running 16:36 and 8th Grader Kyle Jacobson finishing in 17:03. Country School runners ultimately claimed third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, 13th, 15th and 16th places, enough to secure the 25–33 victory. But on this afternoon, the results were only part of the story. With younger runners watching, the older Country School athletes provided an equally important lesson in leadership — encouraging teammates, cheering from the course and showing younger students what it means to compete for one another as well as for themselves.
After the races, the competitive intensity gave way to the simple pleasures of a home meet. The runners gathered around the food provided by parent volunteers, laughter filled the campus, and students took advantage of the swings before heading home.For a program built on tradition, teamwork and mentorship, it was an afternoon that captured what Country School cross country is all about.The two teams will see Foote School several more times during the season, including at The Country School Invitational in October. For now, though, the runners get a chance to recover, train and prepare for their next major challenge: a multi-school race on Thursday, October 1. The streak continues. The young boys continue to emerge. And the Country School cross-country season is just getting started.
341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443
P. 203-421-3113 | Health Office F. 860-469-2550
24/7 AI Support Agent | 203-350-7692
P. 203-421-3113 | Health Office F. 860-469-2550
24/7 AI Support Agent | 203-350-7692
Founded in 1955, The Country School is a coeducational day school serving families across New Haven and Middlesex counties, PreSchool through Grade 8. Our motto, "A World Built for Students. So They Can Take on the World," guides a curriculum built on inquiry, knowledge, and character development for every individual, regardless of background.
The Country School is a community where diversity is celebrated and people of Color are welcomed, valued and supported.
We do not discriminate - nor do we tolerate discrimination - based upon age, gender, race, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic predisposition, ancestry, social and economic status, or other categories protected by Connecticut or federal law.
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