Cross Country has once again struck success to become conference champions.

The top girl runner for the Cougars is senior Erin Spreen.

Spreen can also boast being the conference champion.

“I felt good, and I felt like all the hard work from the season payed off,” Spreen said.

Spreen’s 19:32 was six seconds ahead of Corinth Holders runner Isabelle Grimm.

Fellow Cougar freshman Isabella Frey took third (19:44).

Cross Country Coach Patrick Marshall attributes the work put in during june to the success brought to the team now.

“When the football team starts practicing, we’re out running. Early June, right after graduation, we’re hitting the trails, already logging miles,” Marshall said. “Everything builds off of that. You can’t just show up in August and be a star cross country runner. You have to build up miles to be successful.”

The boys’ team score of 31 was 28 points better than second place Rolesville.

Senior Benjamin Hayes led the Cougars in third place with a 17:42.

Hot on his heels were teammates senior Zac Miles (17:44.63) and sophomore Lucas Rorick (17:44.95).Next year, similar results are expected from Marshall.

“I think it’s gonna take a lot of hard work but we can be just as good or better. We’re losing a couple of really good runners, but we got a lot of young kids with a good amount of talent. A lot of young kids have already contributed.”