The Fort Mill Yellow Jackets cemented their status as a regional cross country powerhouse, sweeping the boys’ and girls’ team titles Wednesday at the Region 3-5A Championships held at Northwestern High School.
The major storyline of the day belonged to Catawba Ridge, however, as junior Ryan Pierson surged to claim the individual boys’ crown, beating out a strong contingent of Fort Mill runners with a winning time of 16 minutes, 10.90 seconds.
Boys’ Competition
While Pierson broke the tape for Catawba Ridge, Fort Mill’s overall depth proved unbeatable. The Yellow Jackets secured the team victory by placing four runners in the top six. Sophomore Owen Ware led the pack for Fort Mill, finishing runner-up at 16:14.40, followed closely by seniors Finn Leckrone (third, 16:16.12) and Connor Demmerle (fourth, 16:24.79). Fort Mill’s scoring was capped by Hudson Haley in sixth place (16:35.73).
Nation Ford junior Robert Saddler delivered a strong performance to finish fifth overall (16:26.85), securing a spot among the region’s elite. Nation Ford finished the competition in third place in the team standings.
Catawba Ridge, propelled by Pierson’s title, earned the runner-up team position. In addition to Pierson, senior Aidan Rogers placed ninth (16:46.16) for the Copperheads. Clover also had three runners in the top 10, led by Alex Bohlen (seventh, 16:38.39) and Chase Hensley (eighth, 16:39.49).
Girls’ Competition
The girls’ race was equally dominated by Fort Mill, which utilized a strong front five to secure their own team championship. The Yellow Jackets placed four runners in the top six overall.
The individual title went to Clover senior Ella Nighbor, who scorched the course with a winning time of 17:37.01.
Fort Mill sophomore Kaylee Rovenstine was the first Yellow Jacket across the line, finishing runner-up at 18:16.16. She was followed by teammates Alivia Cleveland (third, 18:39.66), freshman Lauren Allen (fifth, 18:56.65), and Marlee Cook (sixth, 18:59.19). Clover took the second-place team trophy.
Nation Ford runners secured two top-ten spots: junior Haley Garcia finished seventh (19:01.20) and freshman Addison Eastley finished eighth (19:03.38).
Catawba Ridge senior Isabella Cardozo rounded out the top ten, placing ninth overall (19:35.43), helping the Copperheads finish the meet in fourth place.
