Country School Runners Qualify for National Junior Olympic Championships
Country School cross country athletes turned in a strong day of racing at the New England and New
York Junior Olympic Championships, in Attleboro, Massachusetts. With frost on the ground and high
spirits all around, our runners rose to the challenge—earning individual medals, team berths, and
coveted spots at the National Junior Olympic Championships in Shelbyville, Indiana, on December 13.
To punch a ticket to nationals, athletes must finish in the top 30 in the region or be part of a qualifying
team. Country School accomplished both.
Top Individual Performances
Leading the way for Country School was Lexie Killam, who delivered a sensational 6th-place finish in
the Girls 9–10 division—our top qualifier of the day. Her sister, Liv, also shined with a strong 12th-place
finish in the Girls 11–12 race, sprinting across the line as the top Connecticut finisher while adding
another medal performance to the family tally.
In the Girls 13–14 division, captain Maddie Staib powered to 19th place, earning her medal and
securing her spot in the national field while finishing fourth from the Nutmeg state.
In the high school division, alumnus and former captain Luke Schupp ran an inspired race to finish 5th
overall, punching his ticket to Shelbyville with authority.
The day began with an excellent result in the Boys 8-and-Under race, where Simon Ouellet battled
through a deep field to finish 2nd from Connecticut and 27th overall to secure both a medal and his
national qualification.
In the 13-14 year-old division, Henry Laurans finished 4th in Connecticut and 44th overall, battling
against a competitive field right to the finish line after leading his team of younger runners as a captain
all day.
Team Qualifiers
In addition to outstanding individual efforts, Country School teams made their mark:
• Boys 8-and-Under Team – Led by Simon, the squad finished as one of the top five
teams in the region, earning a team berth to nationals.
• Boys 9–10 Team – Luke Ouellet, Luca Laurans, Callum Pennington, and Clark
Pennington all advanced to Indiana as part of a qualifying team effort.
• Girls 13–14 Team – Anchored by Maddie Staib, the girls delivered one of the most
impressive team performances of the entire meet, capturing 1st place and being crowned New
England–New York regional champions.
Looking Ahead
With three weeks until nationals, our athletes now turn their attention to sharpening up for the biggest
stage of the season. Their performances in Attleboro capped an already outstanding fall and set the
stage for an exciting finale in Indiana.
Congratulations to all of our runners—their hard work, grit, and team spirit continue to make Country
School proud.
Back
York Junior Olympic Championships, in Attleboro, Massachusetts. With frost on the ground and high
spirits all around, our runners rose to the challenge—earning individual medals, team berths, and
coveted spots at the National Junior Olympic Championships in Shelbyville, Indiana, on December 13.
To punch a ticket to nationals, athletes must finish in the top 30 in the region or be part of a qualifying
team. Country School accomplished both.
Top Individual Performances
Leading the way for Country School was Lexie Killam, who delivered a sensational 6th-place finish in
the Girls 9–10 division—our top qualifier of the day. Her sister, Liv, also shined with a strong 12th-place
finish in the Girls 11–12 race, sprinting across the line as the top Connecticut finisher while adding
another medal performance to the family tally.
In the Girls 13–14 division, captain Maddie Staib powered to 19th place, earning her medal and
securing her spot in the national field while finishing fourth from the Nutmeg state.
In the high school division, alumnus and former captain Luke Schupp ran an inspired race to finish 5th
overall, punching his ticket to Shelbyville with authority.
The day began with an excellent result in the Boys 8-and-Under race, where Simon Ouellet battled
through a deep field to finish 2nd from Connecticut and 27th overall to secure both a medal and his
national qualification.
In the 13-14 year-old division, Henry Laurans finished 4th in Connecticut and 44th overall, battling
against a competitive field right to the finish line after leading his team of younger runners as a captain
all day.
Team Qualifiers
In addition to outstanding individual efforts, Country School teams made their mark:
• Boys 8-and-Under Team – Led by Simon, the squad finished as one of the top five
teams in the region, earning a team berth to nationals.
• Boys 9–10 Team – Luke Ouellet, Luca Laurans, Callum Pennington, and Clark
Pennington all advanced to Indiana as part of a qualifying team effort.
• Girls 13–14 Team – Anchored by Maddie Staib, the girls delivered one of the most
impressive team performances of the entire meet, capturing 1st place and being crowned New
England–New York regional champions.
Looking Ahead
With three weeks until nationals, our athletes now turn their attention to sharpening up for the biggest
stage of the season. Their performances in Attleboro capped an already outstanding fall and set the
stage for an exciting finale in Indiana.
Congratulations to all of our runners—their hard work, grit, and team spirit continue to make Country
School proud.
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.
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.
The Country School employs without regard to gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin, and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to its community. The Country School is an EOE Employer.