Cross country is off to a fantastic start! The women’s team is as strong as ever, welcoming back many veteran runners in addition to some great new talent. The team is undefeated in the league and placed fourth at their first invitational meet in Eugene.

This year many new coaches are joining head coach Adrian Shipley and assistant coach Susan Fleskes. Laura Lewis, Bobby Larkins, and Brit Humphreys have joined the coaching staff and are excited to make this season the best yet.

Hannah Aguirre and Hannah Berdahl are leading the team this year, already running the 3.1 mile race in under 20 minutes. Ellie Schnorr and Ellie Khoury are shortly behind, both trying to break that 20 minute barrier. The “Hellies” are trying to be the first four girls in Forest Grove history to all race under 20 minutes in the same season. Freshman Joelle Thacker and sophomore Mila Lumae are improving every race and are vital parts of the varsity team. Elissa Anderson, Brittany Pitteresi, Riley Lindsey, Lucia Mendoza, Cynthia Torres and Raychel Hinkey are all chasing the seventh varsity spot. The JV women’s team is also showing great depth and is one of the strongest in the league. Both the women’s and men’s teams are working hard for another district championship and state qualification!

Cross country is a no-cut sport and open to all abilities. No matter if you have never run before or have been running for years, cross country has a place for you! Come out to Neil Armstrong Middle School for our first and only home meet on October 5th at 4 pm. Come support your Viks!