On yet another early Saturday morning, the Davie County cross country team set out on a familiar bus ride to the Hares and Hounds XC Invitational. At the last invitational of the season, the expectations were set high for many of the runners.
The boys’ race kicked off at 8:30, with only three runners: senior Ethan Lakey, freshman Jaxon Gay, and junior Jacob Steelman. Lakey and Steelman finished neck and neck at 16:34.9 and 16:35.0, with Lakey taking the lead, placing 9th and 10th. Gay followed with a time of 16:40, taking 12th.
Following the boys, the girls embarked on their race at 9:00. Freshman Kristen Starkey led the girls once again, earning a 5-second PR and coming in at 19:18 and placing 5th. Freshman Addalyn Steelman followed, taking a 10-second PR with a time of 22:30. Freshman Berkeley Brown and senior Lexi Marion followed, taking times of 22:52 and 23:03.
Davie’s cross country team has put in a tremendous amount of effort throughout what was a shorter season by two weeks. In the end, the hard work paid off. Freshman Addalyn Steelman is one of many runners who has had an impressive season thus far. Steelman comes from a soccer background, playing left wing, with no previous track or cross-country experience.
“This season has shaped me as a runner by overcoming the mental challenges when I’m racing and adapting to a sport that I haven’t done before,” Steelman says.
Steelman has played an essential role for the girls’ team this season, racking up multiple remarkable times that have contributed positively to the team’s score. When reflecting on her progress this season, though, what stands out to her is the camaraderie with her teammates. The girls’ team is significantly more dedicated this season. Compared to last year, when there were hardly enough runners to fill varsity spots, the abundance of committed athletes has elevated the potential of the team. Steelman and others have said that this larger size, coupled with the team’s dedication, has created a more enjoyable environment, especially in the invitational scene.
“My favorite memories from the invitationals would be our prayer circles before races, and the bus rides to and from the meets with my friends.”
But Steelman is not the only freshman who is picking up the pace this season. Freshman Ella Wiles has shown notable improvement from her first race and managed a PR of 24 seconds at Saturday’s invitational with a time of 24:18. With many goals in mind, she’s made an effort to keep the sport fun and lighthearted while still ensuring the work is being put in.
“As a runner, I have improved myself both physically and mentally,” Wiles said. “And as a person, I’ve gotten closer with my teammates.”
Wiles also has a large support system, which has helped her throughout many of her races.
“My favorite memory is at the end of the race when my family and friends are cheering me on, which gives me an extra boost,” Wiles said.
Returning for his junior year, Jacob Steelman had an amazing performance as well. Steelman has shaved off 3:46 since his very first race as a freshman, showing significant progress throughout the seasons. This race held challenges for Steelman, including a few runners staying with him the first 2 miles; however, he was able to overcome this and push through the finish to take 10th. Despite this, Steelman is still left wanting more.
“I’m happy that I had a PR, but I feel that’s not enough,” Steelman says. “I could be doing better.”
The team has put in countless hours of work over the past few months, and it’s evident based on their impressive times and their individual accomplishments. With the season quickly coming to a close, their next meet will be the North Piedmont Conference Championship in Statesville on October 8.
