On Tuesday, September 8, Rocky Mount Academy hosted their only home cross country meet. With around 100 runners from 11 different schools, there was a great turn out with a large amount of competition. Many parents and students showed up to cheer on the runners and make it a great event. Parents of some of the members of the RMA team had a tent with food and drinks for both runners and volunteers. Also present was Tar River Timing, a timing company who donated their services to chip time and have an elaborate finish line at the meet.

Prior to the meet, seniors Izzie Rommel and Roney Harris were recognized by Ms. Covolo for their dedication to the cross country team and the school. The meet was centered on the soccer field where the start and finish take place. The boy’s race began around 4:30 with RMA cross country coach, Michelle Meadows, giving them the signal to begin! They made the first loop around the soccer field as spectators were cheering them on. They proceeded to run out by the old softball field, behind the school, along the creek in front of the school and back the same way they came. Finishing first for Rocky Mount Academy was junior, AJ Mitchell, with a solid time of 23:22, despite the heat and humidity. Following him, and also scoring for the boy’s team, was Will Pruden, Roney Harris, Jack Pittman, Edward Barnhill, and Krutik Patel. With a lot of young talent, the team will continue to grow and improve despite losing upperclassmen in the future.

After all of the boys crossed the finish line, it was time for the ladies race. Leading the pack for the first portion of the race was Rocky Mount Academy’s very own, junior, Caitlyn Vester. Caitlyn was recognized by the Rocky Mount Telegram as one of the “Top Five Athletes to Watch” for cross country. Caitlyn fought hard all 3.1 miles and managed to score third place overall, outsprinting another runner at the very end. Not far behind Caitlyn was Briana Winham, transfer from Northern Nash High and Ann Weaver Scholarship recipient. Briana snagged ninth place which was crucial to the overall girl’s score. Following her, and also scoring for the girl’s team, was Haley McCall, Vivian Rogers, Izzie Rommel, and Clara Lord. The team finished second place behind St. Thomas More Academy and has a great chance of improving throughout the season.