On Saturday, September 23, the Panthers cross country teams traveled to Leesburg to run against schools from the DMV, and as far away as Colorado, at the Oatlands Invitational. The course featured wet grass, trails and two creek crossings. Despite high winds, rain, and chilly temperatures from tropical storm Ophelia, the teams persevered, with the Panther girls placing 5th out of 31 teams, and the boys placing 7th out of 40.

Senior captain Sasha Minsky led the boys team, finishing 14th overall, with a time of 16:42. Also placing near the front of the field were Zach Dalva-Baird, Luke Carter, Trip Moser, and Eli Levine. The girls team was led by duo Audrey Rentzepis and Arielle Kouyoumdjian who finished in 25th and 26th place overall, within one second of each other. Following them were Kate Tuttle, Emmy Holland, and Rose Barabanov. In the girls JV race, freshman Mary Parker Stump completed her first 5K race of the season. 

Senior captain Kate Tuttle congratulated the girls team on their strong performance, “I’m so proud of the team today. Everyone ran such a great race despite the muddy conditions and it was so great just being out on the course together.”

This coming weekend, the gritty Panthers cross country teams will compete at the Mark Ferris Invitational at Landon School.