After struggling through the first three meets of the season, the Boys' Cross Country team ran with purpose and conviction at the Darlington Invitational held at the Darlington School in Rome on Saturday, September 28, 2013. The result was an improved team performance, excellent individual runs, and a much needed boost at the season's half-way point.
Running at full strength, the Raiders clocked in at 18th out of 34 of the best teams from across North Georgia. Junior Owen McDaniel finished 45th (17:49). The excellent finish by the Raiders; however, was due in large measure to the performance of Junior Alec Nathan (91st, 18:57) and Senior co-captain Simeon Ike (97th, 19:03) – both of whom delivered their best performance of the year.
Additionally, the return of Senior co-captain Sam Morris, who missed the last two meets due to injuries and testing, provided scoring punch as he ran like the Sam Morris of the days of yore – crossing the line 111th (19:17). The trio of Sophomore Willie Herrigel (152nd, 20:13), Junior Adil Rarbaje (157th, 20:18) and Sophomore Bayne Jarvis (158th, 20:23) ran together and very well to complete the scoring for the Raiders.
While much hard work and commitment is required, the boys can create some noise at the Region meet and possibly slide into a spot at the State Meet. They must continue working hard individually and as a team to provide the necessary support and motivation to each other.
