Cazenovia — The Cazenovia girls cross country team had a lot to celebrate at their recent end of season banquet. The Lady Lakers added a fifth place finish at the New York State Championship Meet on Nov. 14 to cap an already successful season.
The girls were undefeated during their regular season, winning the Liberty National division of the Onondaga High School League. They finished second only to the Class B champion combined Westhill-Ludden squad at the overall Liberty League championship meet with Meggie Hart, Clara Rowles and Mya Walters each earning all-league honors. Overall, the Lakers finished first among Class C teams in each of their six invitational/multi-school meets during the fall, culminating with the Section III, Class C Championship. The sectional title victory was the program’s third in the past six seasons.
The team also honored several individuals for their contributions to the championship effort. Coach Wheeler noted that many of the girls were deserving of recognition as the squad’s success was truly a team effort, with different members stepping up each race to forge a winning combination. Meggie Hart, who finished first for the Lakers in 11 of their 13 races this fall was honored as the team’s Most Valuable Runner. Clara Rowles, who overcame a series of early-season injuries to recover and lead the team at sectionals and states, earned the Coach’s Award for Perseverance. Whitney Denison, who finished in the top seven in every race, often filling a critical gap due a teammate’s injury or illness, earned the Coach’s Award for Impact.
The Lakers also recognized their four seniors for their leadership and contributions to the program throughout their careers. Mya Walters (captain, second team all-league), Kaitlin Rossiter (captain), Adrien Owens (third for the team at sectionals and fourth at states) and Maddie Phillips (most improved runner during the fall) were all instrumental to the team’s success. Despite their departure, the return of nine of their teammates next year, combined with the addition of several outstanding modified runners, points to a bright future for Cazenovia Cross Country.
