Runner of the Year - Matthew Thatcher

Manassas Park junior Matthew Thatcher was the area’s top finisher in any level at the Virginia High School League Cross Country Championships, as well as the only area runner to achieve all-state status, which is accorded to any runner placing in the top 15 at states. He placed 10^th in Group A after finishing third in the Region B meet and winning the Bull Run District title. He was also one of the area’s most consistent runners throughout the year. He said his finish at the VHSL championships has fueled a desire to improve on his showing both during the outdoor track season and next cross country season.

Who introduced you to cross country?

“My brothers and father introduced me to cross country in my eighth grade year.”

What is the thing you improved the most in this season as compared to last season?

“The things I improved in most were my times and my confidence [level].”

What was your favorite course to run on and why?

“My favorite course would have to be Rappahannock’s course because it was challenging and yet I knew the course inside and out, giving me some type of drive every time I go there.”

What is the toughest part about distance running?

“I feel the toughest part about distance running is the training or conditioning of a proper program because those days are the days you come out drained not just physically but also mentally from just running and thinking for such a long period of time.”

What was your most memorable moment of the season?

“My most memorable moment of the season would have to be winning the Bull Run District Championship [because of] just winning an important race and all the congratulations I got from other runners. They all just made this year worthwhile.”

Jeff Michaelis

The Battlefield Bobcats finished fourth in the region and won the Cedar Run District title in convincing fashion. Jeff Michaelis molded a talented group into a strong and united team that showcased its talent well throughout the season, both in dual meets and at invitational events. The ingredients are there for Battlefield to improve on its showing next season with most of the Bobcats’ top five still underclassmen.

Stephen Shaw | Junior, Seton

Shaw notched an 18^th place finish for the Conquistadors at states.

Daniel Rimkus | Junior, Osbourn Park

Finished 86^th at states as the lone Yellow Jackets’ qualifier, after attaining all-Northwest Region status by placing 14^th at regionals and second at districts, leading Osbourn Park to first place.

Pierce Baker | Senior, Seton

A 16^th place finish in Division 2 at states (18:32.66) was part of a great day for Seton as the Conquistadores had three runners finish in the top 20.

Nicholas Eghtesaad | Senior, Woodbridge

In addition to several high performances throughout the season, Eghtesaad finished 17^th at regionals, but did not qualify for states.

Andrew Gaiser | Junior, Forest Park

Finished 22^nd at the VHSL Group AAA state meet and was in contention for all-state placement going into the final 500 meters.  Gaiser finished ninth at the Northwest Regional Championships, where he set a National Elite time.

Tim Jackson | Sophomore, Seton

Jackson placed 12^th  (18:25.32) in Division 2 at the Virginia Independent Schools state meet at Woodberry Forest, qualifying him for all-state status at the VISAA level.

Connor Lee | Junior, Battlefield

Finished 53^rd for the Bobcats at states after a 16^th place finish at the Northwest Regional meet.

Luke Mazzu | Junior, Battlefield

His 62^nd place finish was third best for the Bobcats at states. He finished third in the Cedar Run District meet, good for the Bobcats’ second highest at the meet.

Matthew O'Neil | Junior, John Paul

O'Neil's 31^st place finish (18:18.72) was the leading performance at states for the Wolves.

Haben Zemichael | Sophomore, Battlefield

After winning the Cedar Run District title despite increasing pain in his legs, he posted respectable performances at both regionals  (11^th), where he posted a National Elite time, and states, though his 24^th place finish at states did not qualify him for all-state status. Zemichael was the News and Messenger’s Runner of the Year in 2010.