SPARTANBURG, S.C. — August 30, 2025 — Fort Mill High School’s cross country teams opened their 2025 season with a strong showing at the Eye Opener Invitational, competing against dozens of schools from across the region in Spartanburg.
The girls varsity team led the way with a runner-up finish in the International Race, scoring 125 points—just seven behind team champion North Lincoln. Junior Kaylee Rovenstine led the Yellow Jackets with a 4th-place individual finish in 18:30.8. She was joined in the top ten by senior Alivia Cleveland, who finished 9th in 18:55.7. Rounding out the team’s scoring were Marlee Cook (21st, 19:16.4), Mia Zook (43rd, 19:57.5), and Lauren Allen (51st, 20:06.4).
The varsity boys team finished 8th overall out of 49 teams in the International division. Leading Fort Mill was senior Connor Demmerle, who placed 29th with a time of 16:34.1. He was followed by Finn Leckrone (49th, 16:50.0), Owen Ware (61st, 17:00.1), Ben Madej (110th, 17:34.9), and Zack Larner (144th, 17:50.2), helping the team compile a score of 371.
Fort Mill’s depth was also on display in the junior varsity races. The JV girls team placed 3rd overall, a notable performance given that the Eye Opener limits varsity entries, pushing several varsity-caliber runners into the JV field. Penelope Knight (5th, 22:35.0) and Lauren Fredenberg (17th, 23:08.1) led the way for the JV squad.
The JV boys team placed 9th, rounding out a solid day for Fort Mill’s full program.
Head Coach Lee Whitaker praised the athletes for their season-opening efforts, noting the quality competition and favorable weather conditions.
Fort Mill will continue its season next week as it prepares for their first home meet at the Anne Springs Close Greenway on Tuesday, September 2nd against Catawba Ridge, Nation Ford, Northwestern, Indian Land, and Rock Hill high schools.
Sources:
- Meet results provided by SCRunners/MileSplit SC (https://sc.milesplit.com)
- Official timing via TimingInc.com
