The MSMS Cross Country teams came from all parts of the states to compete in their third meet of the season in Eupora. The Eagle Cross Invitational Meet happened on Saturday, Sept. 26 with the boys’ team placing 2nd and the girls’ team placing 6th.

The team’s coach, Dr. Burnes remarked on the size of the team and its impact on their performance. 

“This is the largest cross country team we have fielded since I have been coaching,” Burnes said. “I saw each of them perform at their personal bests, and I am proud to be with the MSMS Waves and Lady Waves.” 

The Waves Cross Country team placed 2nd out of the 14 teams present. Senior Bryce Harrison came in 1st with a time of 19:05, followed by Dylan Griffith (20:57) in 10th and Luke Bowles (21:12) in 12th.

The Lady Waves fielded a complete team for the first time this season. They were led by Vidhi Patel (32:37) in 26th place, Skylar Nichols (33:27) in 30th and Jillian Snodgrass (34:54) in 31st. The team placed 6th. 

Overall, the team found themselves gaining not only experienced but renewed strength. Senior Skylar Nichols expressed her thoughts on the meet. 

“This last meet went amazing. It was a difficult race but it was fun. I’m so proud of the entire team,” Nichols said.

Some students, like senior Trevor Allen, felt that the team’s success makes being away from MSMS more difficult.

“It makes me miss MSMS even more,” Allen said. “I’ll take it for what it’s worth now though.”

Senior and co-captain Luke Bowles also commented on how proud he was with his team despite their challenging race.

 “The course was really muddy due to the weather, so our times weren’t the best. Still, the team ran really well overall, and our top guys finished really close together. I’m proud of everyone,” Bowles said.