Harwood girls’ cross-country nipped Division I powerhouse St. Johnsbury and cruised past defending Division II state champions U-32 to take the Northern Vermont Mountain Division title.
More than 15 teams representing teams from the northeast section of Vermont raced on the campus of Vermont Technical College in Randolph on October 20.
Harwood girls proved that they would be a force at the Vermont Division II championships this weekend at Thetford. They placed four girls in the top seven.
Freshman Ava Thurston ran away from the field setting a course record (19:44) in the process. Team co-captain Julianne Young placed second. The freshman duo of Britta Zetterstrom (sixth) and Caelyn McDonough (seventh) gave the HU girls added depth. A steadily improving freshman, Laura Martinez (25) helped clinch the victory.
Harwood showed great depth in the girls’ JV race as well. Mackenzie Greenberg (9), Sydney Kulis (10), Hannah Clark (12), Alex Pendo (13), Domitille Lusinchi (15), Anna Schmeltzer (16) and Ciara Mead (19) dominated the field.
Harwood boys also showed depth. They packed five boys in the top 23 in the varsity boys’ race: Brendan Magill (5), Hale Boyden (10), Carlton Cummisky (11), Vincent Spina (20) and Luke Groom (23). The varsity boys placed third behind Division I champion U-32 and Division I powerhouse St. Johnsbury.
Harwood JV boys placed seven boys on the top 20 podium. They were led by Ebbe Lillis (seventh). He was followed by Mason Berry (ninth), Jack Lamphere (11), River Collins (16), Grant McCracken (17), Ben White (19) and Levi Forkey (20).
Harwood cross-country will compete Saturday at the Vermont State Championships at Thetford Academy on Saturday, October 27. Harwood girls race at 11 a.m. The boys race at 12:30 p.m.
A nor’easter is predicted for Saturday. There will be mud, snow, freezing rain, ice and frozen ground all at the same time. Expect an exciting performance from the local runners as they strive for state tiles.
