Fighting Irish Cross Country Team secures first place at MHSAA 2A Cross Country Regional Meet

Fighting Irish Cross Country runners showcased months of hard work by securing first place during the MHSAA 2A Cross Country Regional Meet on Wednesday, October 24, in Clinton, Mississippi.

Four runners from the Varsity girls team came in the top 10 for runners, including: Isabel Leatherman (2), Jordan Pete (3), Amelie Million (4), and Isabella Patino (6). Five runners from the Varsity boys team came in the top 20 for runners, including: Cade Meyers (2), Dylan Middleton (3), Dominic Patino (7), Mason McCullough (9), and Bryon Shepard (16). Cade, Dylan, Mason, Dominic, Amelie, Jordan, Isabel, and Isabella made the All-Region Team as well! Please find all times below.

On the team’s success, St. Patrick Cross Country Head Coach Tim McDaniel said, “I told both teams, prior to the awards announcement, that their collective efforts in their respective races were exemplary regardless of the outcome. We can’t control our opponents performance, but we can control our own.”

The boys cross country team captain, Dylan Middleton, explained, “The whole team stepped up and ran with their heart today. Both teams won by a close two  points, which means every single runner counted. I couldn’t be more proud of my team!”

The girls cross country team captain, Amelie Million, said, “I can’t tell you how proud I am of this team. Cross Country is a sport of heart and every single one of these runners brings it everyday. All of our hard work paid off today, but I’m excited to see what we do at the state championships. It will be my last one, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to spend it with.”

Good luck to the Fighting Irish as they prepare for the MHSAA 2A Cross Country State Championship on Monday, November 5, in Clinton, Mississippi!

Photos from the event can be viewed here.

Story by Teal Salloum