The Scoop: Woodbridge Upsets, Big Results and Top Races

It's Another Record-Setting Day at the adidas XC Challenge 

It was another gathering of the best of the best that the Southeast cross-country scene has to offer at the adidas XC Challenge, where top teams and individuals converged for a battle on one of the most competitive courses in the region. Athletes pushed their limits under ideal racing conditions, with the energy of the crowd and the significance of the event palpable from the starting gun. With state and national rankings on the line, every runner was out to prove themselves, making each race a showcase of speed, strategy, and grit.

In the boy's individual race, it was another record-breaking year for Ty Steorts, who ran a dominant time of 14:37.80, winning his second straight adidas meet title, and breaking his own meet record. Just behind him was Cary Academy junior Kavi Gibson who ran a time of 14:42.20 and Knoxville Catholic senior Keegan Smith with a time of 14:52.60. Smith, also led the Knoxville Catholic boys the the meet title, scoring 96 points, 24 points ahead of Marvin Ridge. 

On the girl's side, it was rising junior Kasey Dingman of Lake Norman in North Carolina securing the individual in a dominant effort running a time of 17:40.60, finishing 24 seconds ahead of the runner-up. This was her first win at the meet after finishing 10th in 2023 and 6th in 2022. 

In the team competition, every runner's performance proved vital, as the top three teams were separated by a mere 10 points in a nail-biting finish. Ultimately, it was the Bolles High School girls who captured the title with 202 points, edging out Marvin Ridge with 209 points and Green Level close behind with 212 points. Leading the charge for Bolles was 8th-grade standout Sofie Stam, who clocked a season-best time of 18:52.80, along with senior Estella Bruneau, who shaved a full minute off her season best to help secure the victory. Their combined efforts, along with those of their teammates, made the difference in this highly competitive race.