On October 12, 2018, Midlo’s Varsity Cross Country team traveled to New York City for the Manhattan Cross Country Invitational. Teams from across the United States, including California, Florida, and Kentucky, attended the Manhattan Invitational, enhancing the competition and emphasizing the importance of the meet. This race challenges all who compete; with its enormous hills and tricky footholds, it puts runners’ mental strength to the ultimate test. At the racing venue, vendors sold merchandise, Hoka One One conducted a clinic, and runners created memories that would last a lifetime.

At 6:45 AM, vans containing excited and anxious runners pulled out of the Midlo parking lot, commencing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After seven hours of driving, the team arrived at Van Cortlandt Park in The Bronx, New York, where they would compete for a title the following day. Assistant Coach David Benjamin accompanied the runners on a course walkthrough, using his sharp eye to identify potential opportunities for advancement in the race. Following the preparatory walkthrough, the team ate a flavorful pasta dinner and prepared for one of the biggest races of the season.

At 1:15 PM on October 13, 2018, the gun sounded and broke through the air, commencing the Boys Varsity B Race. The Midlo Varsity Boys Team included: Max Etka, Brian Tavenner, Ian Gray, Andrew Steenkamer, Joey Maguire, Will Gardner, and Ben Scott. Etka led the Midlo pack, using his strong training to finish in an astounding 12th place. Coming in 15th, Tavenner used his quick skills to represent Midlo well. Additionally, Gray and Steenkamer finished in respectable 25th and 27th place, bumping Midlo up in the standings. Junior Maguire crossed the line in 39th place, with freshman Gardner close behind in 41st. Finally, Scott ran and came in a respectable 57th place. These impressive finishes led the Midlo boys to finish in 1st place, adding a giant trophy to the Midlothian trophy case and placing a golden medallion around each of their necks.

Following the male race, the Midlo Varsity Cross Country Girls Team began their race at 1:51 PM. The team included: Nicole Quiram, Katherine Krievs, Caroline Bowe, Chloe Martin, Annabel Schepker, Olivia Morris, and Lena Caffall. Leading the Midlo girls, Quiram finished in a competitive 27th place, while Krievs came in close at 29th. Not far behind, Bowe crossed the line in 32nd place, beating a competitor by a mere 0.7 seconds. Martin and Schepker finished the race in 56th and 71st place, respectively. Senior Morris used her extensive training to complete the race in 79th place, representing Midlo with strength. Finally, Caffall came in at a respectable 84th place. Although the Midlo girls did not fair well in the team aspect of the competition, many of the athletes earned golden medallions, signifying their hard work and perseverance. Freshman Nicole Quiram describes the race as “really awesome to have the opportunity to travel to a different state and represent Midlothian High School.”

After the race, the team traveled to Times Square, where they shopped, toured, and consumed delicious New York pizza. Tired from a long weekend, Midlo’s Cross Country Team headed home on Sunday, October 14, 2018, bearing radiant smiles on their faces and unforgettable memories in their hearts.