No matter the sport, there is always a curiosity as to how state champions would stack up against one another. Who really is the best overall team, regardless of size or classification?
The answer in North Carolina cross country this season is Christ School.
Following their victory at last Friday’s NCISAA 4-A state meet, the Greenies' top-five runners have the lowest average time in the state (15:36.09), amongst all private schools and public schools.
Green Hope, a public high school in the Raleigh area with an enrollment of 2,247 students, is second with an average time of 15:55.47. Cary Academy was the runner-up to Christ School at the NCISAA 4-A meet and is sixth (16:08.26) in the statistical rankings, compiled by the MileSplit website. From a team perspective, Christ School's season is over. The public school state meets are scheduled for Saturday in Kernersville, N.C.
“It feels wonderful. Today’s collective effort proves that we’re one of the best teams in the state, and probably over a long period of time. Maybe the best team in western North Carolina, ever,” Christ School coach Randy Ashley said after the state meet.
“I’m not really big on comparisons. I’m just happy for my guys. They are earnest in what they’re doing, and this will carry over to lessons in life. We’re building character as well as athletic talent.”
Wake Forest University recruit Rocky Hansen ’23 (14:44.90) and Dawson Reeves ’24 (15:20.30) finished first and second at the state meet for the second year in a row. Eyob Gill ’24 (seventh place, 15:48.03) and Kahzi Sealey ’23 (ninth, 16:07.40) ran personal records at Hagan-Stone Park in Pleasant Garden, N.C. Luke Parrish (20th, 16:40.60), Will Peeler ’23 (21st, 16:44.40), and Dallas Reeves ’27 (16:54.70) rounded out the top-seven.
Coach Ashley just completed his sixth season at Christ School. He said the team only had two runners who could break 20 minutes when he first took the job.
