Cross country is generally an individual’s sport. But when both teams made it to state, Howell’s runners put their best foot forward and helped bring in glory for many of the team’s seniors.

For the first time since 1996, the boys cross country team was able to join the girls at state, Nov. 6.

“It was physically demanding, but totally worth it,” senior Greg Fletcher said.

The boys team finished 13th at State while the girls finished 14th.

“This was the hardest year,” senior Jessica Marx said. “It was [also] the third consecutive year that the girls made it to state. It was a nice way to end my senior year season.”

On top of making it to state, the boys also won Conference for the first time in 13 years. Trey Berry was individual boys conference champion while Rebecca Turney was individual conference champion for the girls. The girls placed second as a team at conference.

But the news doesn’t stop there. The boys made history at Districts, Oct. 23.

“The boys won District for first time ever as far as we can tell,” coach Nate Tower said.

As for the girls, they came in a close second.

Overall, both cross country teams had successful seasons, leaving the seniors with bittersweet feelings.

“It was a great feeling of accomplishment,” senior Brennan Riley said. “I felt relieved, but sad because it was my last race.”

“I was expecting it to be a lot harder than it was,” Fletcher said. “I look forward to going back for track.”