CHARLOTTE – Living up to expectations does not necessarily mean coexisting with the pressure they bring.
Christ School cross country did not look bogged down by any mental or physical inhibitors Friday, completing its first-ever undefeated season in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association.
The Greenies lined up for the 4-A state meet as a prohibitive favorite and won it with 36 points and five all-state runners – runner-up Brooks Barbee ’27 (14:59.37), Dallas Reeves ‘27 (seventh place, 15:17.03), Reynolds Young ’27 (eighth, 15:27.38), Noah Clancy ’26 (ninth, 15:30.94), and Jack Dennehy ’27 (10th, 15:35.91).
Brooks pointed to the sky as he crossed the finish line at McAlpine Creek Park with a personal record, his first sub-15 minute 5K (3.1 miles).
“(Coach Randy Ashley) really just said we have to treat this like any other meet, any other invitational,” Brooks said.
“We’ve been able to get work done and not psyche ourselves out. We really didn’t have to change anything; we just stuck to the plan.”
For Brooks, that meant pinning himself to the shoulder of Cary Academy senior and Duke recruit Kavi Gibson ’25 (14:49.51). Gibson won the individual battle, but he and the Chargers (who won last year’s team title) had to settle for second place team-wise with 89 points.
Conditions were calm, cool, and favorable to fast times Friday. Timmy McDowell ’27 (13th place, 15:44.27) and Brody Webb ’27 (16th, 15:51.64) also broke 16 minutes.
Christ School’s state championship is its third overall and first since the Greenies went back-to-back in 2021 and 2022. Unlike those teams, the running is not yet over for the group which is eligible for high-profile postseason meets.
“It’s been like a college team this season because everyone has such a high mindset,” Brooks said.
“I think it’s elevated us all to a higher level."
NCISAA 4-A State Championship Meet
Friday at McAlpine Creek Park, Charlotte
Team scores
1. Christ School 36; 2. Cary Academy 89; 3. Metrolina Christian Academy 135; 4. Forsyth Country Day 144; 5. Charlotte Latin 149; 6. Durham Academy 160; 7. Ravencroft 97; 8. Charlotte Country Day 216; 9. Carmel Christian 271; 10. Covenant Day 271; 11. Charlotte Providence Day 285; 12. Wesleyan Christian 317; 13. North Raleigh Christian 335.
Individual results (Christ School runners)
2. Brooks Barbee 14:59.37; 7. Dallas Reeves 15:17.03; 8. Reynolds Young 15:27.38; 9. Noah Clancy 15:30.94; 10. Jack Dennehy 15:35.91; 13. Timmy McDowell 15:44.27; 16. Brody Webb 15:51.64.