If we are going to have a nice hot day for a Cross-Country race, there is no better place than Martha's Vineyard to have it. Thirteen different schools made the ferry trip on to the island to compete in the 8th Annual Martha's Vineyard X-C Invitational in Oak Bluff's yesterday. In the boys varsity race , Cody Kingman of Sheperd Hill High School defeated defending champion Connor James (2nd- of Milton Academy. Kingman finished in a time of 16:37 to win the first invitational of the season. Kingman led most of the race until James took over around the second mile.
"He passed me and was ahead of me for a little bit, but I just had more left in the last mile and I just pushed myself really hard to finish the race strong" said Kingman
Kingman was not that phased by the scorching temperatures on the Cape Cod Island.
" It was pretty hot especially during the second mile but I tried not to think about it much. The first and third miles felt nice since they were in the woods, but the adrenaline usually takes over during a race and you don't think of the heat much." said the Shepherd Hill senior.
Kingman had a solid summer of training and is looking forward to the Amherst Invitational in a few weeks. "I hope to get at least top 10 or low 16's or maybe even both. Last year I didnt have the best race ever so I'm excited to see what I can do."
Two Independent schools finished 1-2 in team competition. Milton Academy (69) edged Belmont School (74) to take home the title.
In the girls varsity race, Notre Dame Academy's three top five finishers were enough to sail away with the title over runner-up Plymouth North. The Cougars were led by three seniors Elizabeth Costantino (1st-18:59), Elizabeth Harrington (3rd-19:38), and Elizabeth Baker (5th-20:08). Plymouth North looked very impressive as they finished all seven runners in the Top 18 places, but the strong three Elizabeth's from NDA were to much to overcome