Fall sports have arrived. While the temperatures insist that it remains summer, athletes across Charlotte are getting ready for the upcoming season. Whether you are a runner preparing for the 10th OrthoCarolina 10k Classic on Aug. 17 or the Around the Crown 10k on Sept. 1, or you plan to support a runner in one of those races, we are highlighting Charlotte high school female cross country runners going the distance.
North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) 4A
Dates to know:
The Charlotte Independent School Athletic Association (CISAA) championship meet takes place on Oct. 15 at McApline Creek Park. On Oct. 25, the NCISSA state championship meet also takes place at McApline Creek Park. Charlotte schools placed fourth through sixth at last year’s state championship meet. Can they repeat their success this fall?
Charlotte Latin
The Hawks finished third in NCISAA state championship meet last season. Runners battled temperatures in the 40s, rain, water logged fields and muddy hills. Mary Schleusner finished ninth in state competition, as a freshman. Keep an eye on her sophomore season with the Hawks. She and Maria Llerenas-Soto, who is entering her junior season after finishing 11th in the final meet, earned All-State honors.
Providence Day School
The Chargers took fourth place at the state championship meet. Ashley Horwitz impressed in her freshman season, finishing fifth in NCISAA finale. Look for her continued success as a sophomore.
Covenant Day
Kelsey Troutman had the best performance for the Lions in the state championship meet. She claimed 13th, and the team took fifth. It was her last performance as a Lion, but her competitive career continues close to home. Troutman will run cross country, as well as track and field at Davidson College.
Charlotte Country Day
Sophie Spada’s seventh place finish was the highest for the Bucs last fall, who took sixth as a team. Keep an eye on Spada during her senior season with the Bucs.
North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 4A
Dates to know:
Practice began on Aug. 1, with the first contest arriving on Aug. 19. Regionals are scheduled for Nov. 2, followed by states on Nov. 9.
Myers Park
The Mustangs placed third in state competition, their 13th top 10 finish since 2005. They also won the NCHSAA Western 4A regional championship. Sophomore Cora Cooke’s fourth place finish at states made her the seventh girl in school history to win All-State honors. Keep an eye on her junior season over the next few months.
Hough
Freshman Lilly Walters’ ninth place finish stood out in the Huskies’ overall fourth place finish at states. Let’s see what she does as a sophomore.
