South Lakes Sophomore Makes Course History in Cross Country Event

The new school year is still more than a month away, but the South Lakes High School cross country team has already begun its season, and one sophomore is already breaking records.

The Seahawks were one of more than a dozen schools from the state of Virginia to compete in this week’s =PR= Kickoff Invitational at Bull Run Regional Park in Manassas.

South Lakes had 60 runners compete, led by sophomore Olivia Beckner, whose time of 11:46:00 not only won the sophomore girls division (which included 112 competitors) but is the fourth-fastest time in course history.

Beckner was one of five Seahawks to place in the top 10 in their respective divisions. Owen Walker placed sixth out of 167 runners in the sophomore boys division with a time of 10:57.00, and Naomi Brindley placed 10th out of 86 runners in the junior girls division with a time of 13:09.00.

Monica Larsen finished third among 71 runners in the senior girls division with a time of 12:36.00, and John LeBerre placed seventh out of 109 runners in the senior boys division with a time of 10:39.00.

A total of 893 runners from all schools in attendance competed across the eight divisions. Other local schools in attendance included Bishop O’Connell, Langley High, Herndon High and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.