Runner of the Year -- Nicole Carter

Battlefield junior Nicole Carter had a fairly consistent season, finishing third at the Octoberfest Invitational and posting strong showings at several other invitationals. But she saved some of her best runs for the end of the season. She won the Cedar Run District title, helping Battlefield take first place as a team and then won the Northwest Regional title a week later, finishing with a National Elite time of 19:01.80. At the Virginia High School League Cross Country Championships, she placed 31^st overall in Group AAA.

Who introduced you to cross country?

“Both of my parents ran in college, so running was always there during my childhood. However, it wasn’t until 8^th grade when a friend asked me to do track with her that I began running.”

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

“Compared to last season, my pacing has improved a lot. Last season, I would take the first mile really hard, and then slow down the remaining two. This year, I still go out hard, but my last two miles are consistent, and I’ve even run a negative split a couple of races.”

What was your favorite course to run on and why?

“I would say my favorite course is Oatlands because overall, it’s a very fun course. The first mile is relatively flat, mostly downhill, and then you run through this wonderful creek, followed by some trails. The last 1000 meters are pretty hilly, but since they’re at the end of the race you know the finish is close and can just push through the pain. Oatlands has a bit of everything, which I love.”

What is the toughest part about distance running?

“Mental toughness is definitely the most difficult part of distance running. Having the tenacity to not slow the pace in races, workouts, and long runs can be difficult at times. Also, in races you have to be mentally tough to not freak out if you go out too fast, or if you start dropping places. If your mental focus falters in a race, then it’s very difficult to run your best.”

What was your most memorable moment of the season?

“My most memorable moment this season would have to be crossing the finish line in first at Regional, and seeing the rest of my teammates finish within seconds of each other. Going to state as a team (both guys and girls) was amazing, and I can’t wait for us to do it again next year.”

Who introduced you to cross country?

“Both of my parents ran in college, so running was always there during my childhood. However, it wasn’t until 8^th grade when a friend asked me to do track with her that I began running.”

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

“Compared to last season, my pacing has improved a lot. Last season, I would take the first mile really hard, and then slow down the remaining two. This year, I still go out hard, but my last two miles are consistent, and I’ve even run a negative split a couple of races.”

What was your favorite course to run on and why?

“I would say my favorite course is Oatlands because overall, it’s a very fun course. The first mile is relatively flat, mostly downhill, and then you run through this wonderful creek, followed by some trails. The last 1000 meters are pretty hilly, but since they’re at the end of the race you know the finish is close and can just push through the pain. Oatlands has a bit of everything, which I love.”

What is the toughest part about distance running?

“Mental toughness is definitely the most difficult part of distance running. Having the tenacity to not slow the pace in races, workouts, and long runs can be difficult at times. Also, in races you have to be mentally tough to not freak out if you go out too fast, or if you start dropping places. If your mental focus falters in a race, then it’s very difficult to run your best.”

What was your most memorable moment of the season?

“My most memorable moment this season would have to be crossing the finish line in first at Regional, and seeing the rest of my teammates finish within seconds of each other. Going to state as a team (both guys and girls) was amazing, and I can’t wait for us to do it again next year.”

Mallory Trowbridge

While the potential was there with Nicole Carter and a few returning runners, Battlefield's Mallory Trowbridge herself probably could not have expected the growth the Bobcats made throughout the season. 

Perhaps surprisingly, Battlefield outpaced Osbourn Park at both the Northwest Region and state meets and finished just behind a Forest Park team that probably had more overall depth and experience.

Undoubtedly, Trowbridge’s enthusiasm and belief in her runners were key ingredients in how they were able to finish so strongly.

Allyson Bodmer | Junior, Forest Park

Bodmer finished 81^st at states, but also had solid runs throughout the season for the Bruins.

Lindsey Bradshaw | Senior, Brentsville

Bradshaw finished 45^th at regionals, but was the Tigers’ third-best finisher at states, notching a 61^st-place showing.

Marianna Ferguson | Sophomore, Hylton

Ferguson’s 38^th place showing at states came on the heels of a solid regional finish and proved that Ferguson should be one of the Cardinal’s best next season.

Teresa Gregory | Freshman, Forest Park

An 82^nd place finish at states proved that Gregory belongs with the Bruins’ top five and provided valuable experience for an underclassman that should mesh well with a strong returning class for Forest Park next season.

Ellison Grove | Sophomore, Battlefield

Grove finished 61^st at states to help the Bobcats finish 14^th overall.

Gillian Lowe | Junior, Brentsville

Lowe placed 20^th at regionals and 60^th at states for the Tigers.

Haley Ruiz | Junior, Brentsville

Ruiz was the Tigers’ top finisher at states, placing 55^th, but she finished 13^th at regionals to help the Tigers to a second-place overall finish.

Brandy Wybersky | Senior, Osbourn Park

Wybersky was the leading Yellow Jackets’ finisher at states, placing 62^nd, but she was a consistent performer all year.

Natalie Young | Senior, Forest Park

Young was the top Bruin finisher at states, notching a 34^th place showing, shortly after posting a solid run at regionals that  helped Forest Park to a high finish as a team.

Hannah Zachman | Junior, Forest Park

Zachman saved perhaps her best runs for the post-season and was a major reason why the Bruins finished 12^th overall at states (best in the area). Zachman placed 60^th, just ahead of Grove.