St Michaels was once again a fantastic venue for the 2019 Glasshouse District Cross Country. Our GCC team gave their all and were crowned Glasshouse Champions once again! Points are given for placings achieved and we just clinched the title in the final race of the day – the 12 year boys race.
The racing started with a bang for our team with Breeanna Aldridge showing that her family fitness training paid off with her running a well-judged race to finish in second place in the 9 girls race. Milla Hinds and Madison Rowlands also ran strongly to finish 13th and 21st respectively.
The 9 year boys raced next and Hayden Cullen and Flynn Lewis went straight to the front of the pack. They settled into a great pace and ran the whole race in second and third places keeping a distance between themselves and the following pack by running confidently and consistently throughout. Flynn gave everything he had in a very exciting sprint to the line as three boys attacked him in the final 80m, but Flynn kept just ahead of them to keep his third place with Hayden placing second.
This gave us a great start to the day. The 11-year-old races next over 3km with Jasmine Hazelden and Ben Ramke finishing in the highest places for GCC. Jasmine ran bravely with sore ankles and Ben kept up a good consistent pace to finish 9th and 13th respectively.
Lily Breen was keen to once again show her class in the 12 Girls race and went straight to the lead from the gun. She was followed by Emma Small who stuck to her closely and then established a small lead over Lily. Lily ran strongly but could not match the speed of Emma but placed a very well earnt second place well ahead of the third placegetter. Chloe Turnbull and Laura-Grace Olive had fantastic races, with Chloe maintaining her seventh place throughout but Laura ran a strong second half of the race to finish in eighth place just behind Chloe. Ruby Cianta was also running well and finished tenth meaning these girls gained valuable points for our team.
There were several schools on similar points going into the last 12 boy’s race so every placing was important. Unfortunately Jared Moss was unable to compete due to being unwell so Jasper Menkens took up the mantle of a GCC Cross Country Champion. He ran like never before keeping up his quick pace throughout the whole 3km journey. He was challenged for the lead on several occasions by one other runner, but each time Jasper put on a burst, regained the lead and eventually won the mental battle. He ran strongly to the finish line to become the 12 Boys Glasshouse Cross Country Champion in a huge personal best time of 12.35. Archer Palmer also ran well to finish in 7th place and just missed out on qualification for the District team. Josh Ford was not well but bravely completed the course finishing in the middle of the field.
It was a very exciting moment when GCC was announced as District Champions as the whole team contributed to this fantastic win. It was great to have so many family members supporting the team too.
Five athletes qualified for the Glasshouse District team to compete at the Sunshine Coast Cross Country Championships to be held soon. They are Breeanna Aldridge, Hayden Cullen, Flynn Lewis, Lily Breen and Jasper Menkens. The other GCC team members were Milla Hinds, Maddison Rowlands, Micah Constant, Jasmine Hazelden, Hannah Gassner, Ben Ramke, Oliver Thornton, Archer Palmer, Josh Ford, Chloe Turnbull, Laura-Grace Olive and Ruby Ciantar. Congratulations to all team members.
