Spartans Cross County Ends Season With High Hopes For Future

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL - No school has put together a string of sustained dominance in Alabama like the Mountain Brook track program has. The MBHS track and cross country teams have captured more than 70 state titles, and has sent numerous runners on to compete at the college level. This season's cross country teams had a strong finish as they wrapped up the 2018 season in the state meet in November, and although some key seniors are finishing their high school careers, the future looks bright for the Spartans.

Coach Michael McGovern continues to build the program by adding Coach Lars Porter to his staff from Homewood. Porter racked up multiple state titles while at Homewood and has had a huge impact in his first season with Mountain Brook.

Ana Balzli capped off a stellar career at MBHS, and will be running for Mississippi State for next year’s cross country season. Junior newcomer to the team, Sabina Ortiz, had a strong season and contributed with an all-state finish. Alex Pitts, also a junior, had a great race in the state meet, and Reagan Riley completed her 8th grade season capturing her second top 5 finish in the state meet and runs in the top spot for the High School team for the second year in a row. The team returns all but Balzli and should have a great year ahead.

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On the boys side, Hunter Harwell finished his impressive cross country career with a gutsy run in the state meet. Harwell, who has has signed to run with Auburn next year, led most of the race but lost by one second to Ethan Strand from Vestavia. He did, however, capture the school record in the 5k.

Joseph Pitard ran number two for the team, finished in the top 10 and broke the 16-minute barrier in the 5k for the first time. Parker Balzli, a ninth grader, finished in the top 20 and is part of the bright future of the MBHS program.

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