Thursday, September 22 marked the beginning of Cross Country’s 2016 Big 8 League competition. The Sharks met with their old district rivals at Andulka Park, the site for last season’s second League race, for this year’s opening meet.

The JV Girls, eager to defend their title as League champs, came prepared to dominate. Our lady Sharks did not disappoint, taking first place as a team. Kiara Etheridge (11) and Jessie Hernandez (10) took second and third individually, with Alyssa Struve (10) close behind in fourth in the 81- girl race.

The JV Boys were less successful, but managed to slip into third behind Martin Luther King and Roosevelt. Jared Neiman-Macak (10) was the first Shark to finish in their race of 123, coming in as fifth boy individually.

The Varsity Girls found themselves in the same position, falling into third in King and Roosevelts’ wakes. Lead Shark Cayla Etheridge (10) took fifth individually.

The Varsity Boys took an unexpected dive, coming in second to last in their race.

Although Head Coach Etheridge was more than happy with JV Girls performance, he made it clear that he expected much more from the other groups, especially the Varsity teams. “I just see us at a different level; I see us competing at a different level” Coach Etheridge stated during a post-race team meeting.

Despite the number of personal records set that day, it’s clear that there’s some work to be done before the Sharks return to Andulka Park for League Finals.