Runners leap over a hill of a course at Mason Invitational

Sophomore+Olivia+Anapole+as+she+crosses+the+first+of+two+creeks.+The+creeks+were+about+shin+deep%2C+and+many+girls+fell+in+this+body+of+water.+After+getting+up+the+small+hill+afterwards%2C+runners+must+go+up+the+infamous+mulch+hill.+%0A

Mike Bell

Sophomore Olivia Anapole as she crosses the first of two creeks. The creeks were about shin deep, and many girls fell in this body of water. After getting up the small hill afterwards, runners must go up the infamous mulch hill.

There are many races held all over the greater Cincinnati area, but one of the most rugged races is held at Mason High School. This race is a large one, holding D1, D2 and D3 races throughout the day.
In order to hold such a large competition, the races are broken up into D1 Varsity, D1 JV grades 9-10 and D1 JV 11-12. They are broken up the same way for D2 and D3. Girls races are held before boys.
“The Mason race is a very hectic one. The races take place very far apart from one another, and that can cause some problems when it comes to making sure girls are properly stretched and hydrated,” Allison Flavin, 12, said.
Both the boys and girls cross country teams participated in this meet. Sycamore girls varsity team came in eighth out of 15 teams, with Olivia Anapole , 10, coming in 18th overall and first for the girl’s team.
“The race course is a lot of fun. There are hay bales, creeks, and huge hills you have to cross over. It is a lot of work, but in the end you finish with a smile on your face,” said Anapole.
The Sycamore boys varsity team came in 15th out of 18 teams, with Max Hill ,12, coming in 38th place overall and first for the boys team.
Overall, the cross country teams placed well and are continuing working in order to improve upon these results. The teams will compete in meets every Saturday for the next few weeks. To find their schedules, click here.