Two weeks after winning its third consecutive Class 1 state title in Salem, the Parry McCluer High School boys cross country team took on tougher competition in the Nike Cross Regionals Southeast Championships in Cary, N.C.
Facing some of the top teams from several states, the Fighting Blues placed 18th of 27 teams in the boys’ 5-kilometer championship race, scoring 478 points. The PM boys, calling themselves Buena Vista, finished second among teams from Virginia, finishing behind Patriot RC (Nokesville) (13th, 318) and just ahead of Panorama Farms Project (19th, 454).
Very few runners set personal records. Temperatures were in the 70s, slightly warmer than the state meet (upper 60s) in Salem. The course was more challenging than the Green Hill Park course in Salem, with sandy footing. “The footing is extremely good, but it has a 600-meter downhill start, and then you have to run up that 600meter hill twice,” said PM head coach Chris Poluikis.
The winning team was Royal Pines Distance Project, scoring 72 points. CAPITALS (119) placed second, and McCallie Ridge Runners (152) finished third. Rounding out the top five were Shamrock TC (203) and SoleRoots (235).
Junior Andrew Beroset of McCallie Ridge Runners won in 14 minutes, 45.3 seconds. The top five individuals qualified for the Nike Cross Nationals, which will take place in Portland, Ore. on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Leading PM was junior Kebryl Chandler, following up on his individual state title by placing 17th of 264 harriers in 15:20.3. Poluikis said Chandler “went out really hard just to give himself a chance.”
PM’s second runner was sophomore Caleb Cooper, finishing 146th in 16:25.1. Following closely were senior teammates Logan Wheelock (167th, 16:34.7) and Josh Cooper (174th, 16:43.8). Sophomore teammate Hinckley Lovelace, recovering from a fever, finished 234th in 17:30.1. PM’s final two harriers were sophomore Sebastian George (256th, 18:18) and junior Sam Carpenter (261st, 18:53.8).
PM had one freshman, Matthew Cooper, racing in the boys’ Rising Stars race, consisting of mostly freshmen and sophomores. Cooper was the only PM runner to set a personal record, finishing 175th of 286 harriers in 18:55.9. Sophomore Nick Bignon of Chatuge Project won in 15:53.9.
Rockbridge County High School had no runners at the meet, instead focusing on the upcoming indoor track and field season.
The Blues will also prepare for the indoor season, with Poluikis and throwing coach Danny Cole guiding the team. The runners are scheduled to start competing in mid-December.
