Sophomore Natalie McCarty pushes through the home stretch to the finish line. McCarty was the Cats’ top runner, clocking in with a time of 20:42.

The girls’ cross country team goes on a slow jog to get the blood flowing and muscles loose before their runs start. Warm-ups like these take a low toll on the body so that runners can do their best during their races.

Senior Sophia Barrett and junior Rachel Zielinski start off their second lap strong. The relay consists of two partners completing one mile-long lap after another, running three miles each and six miles in total.

Juniors Leah Krensky and Grace Higgins push through their second laps. They recorded times of 22:41 and 23:11 respectively, helping the Cats secure a 4th place finish at the meet.

The girls’ team gets off to a strong start together at Georgetown Prep’s Woodward Relays. Although not a true 5k, this was the Cats’ first meet of the season and crucial for them to get off on the right foot.

Senior John Snow competes through the last stretch of his second lap, eventually finishing with a time of 18:00. Snow will be tasked with leading the team this season, as he is at its forefront.

Junior Adam Klinger and sophomore Eyal Gladstone hype on freshman Xavier Paultre and senior Jonathan Tam. Motivation from teammates just like this is exactly what the team will need to be successful this year.

Senior Jonathan Tam pushes through the final stretch of his third lap, with freshman Xavier Paultre trailing just behind him. Tam finished with a time of 20:14, while Paultre recorded a time of 22:56.

Junior Elijah Duncan, senior Jonathan Tam, and junior Apollo Harshbarger round the corner to complete their second laps. The Cats finished sixth at their first meet of the season, a promising start after a disappointing season the previous year.

Sophomore Sebastian Patch glistens in sweat as he finishes up his second lap. Patch recorded a time of 23:33, with his average mile pace clocking in at 7:36.