Raiders Race for a State Berth on Thursday

Randolph cross country runs for a spot at the State Championships on Thursday, October 29, when the Raider boys and girls compete at the Sectional Meet at John Hunt Park. Racing begins at 9:00 AM.
It is the race this season has been building toward, and the Raiders know the course. They raced at John Hunt Park at the Southern Showcase and again at the Randolph Invitational earlier this fall.
A Season Built on Strong Results

The Raiders arrive at Sectionals with momentum. The Varsity Boys opened the season by winning the Firehawk Invitational with 26 points, placing all five scorers in the top eight. Wick Pfitzer finished second and Brooks Johnson third.

At the Southern Showcase, against more than 100 schools in extreme heat, the Randolph boys placed second of 50 scoring teams, one point behind the winner. The girls were also second of 22 teams. Junior Meredith Walker won the Varsity Girls Crimson Division in 21:44, and Johnson placed fifth in 16:37.

At the Randolph Invitational, hosted at John Hunt Park with 78 schools and 1,544 athletes, sophomore Brooks Johnson ran 15:51.36 to place third overall and set a new school record, breaking the mark of 15:52.10 set by Matthew Estopinal in 2018.

From the Coach

Head Coach Twig has watched this group grow in maturity and confidence, and in what it means to compete for something bigger than themselves. He credits the athletes for pushing one another and holding each other accountable, including through injuries and other adversity.
Thursday, he says, is about execution. "Every single place matters," Twig said, noting that team success often comes down to the fourth and fifth scoring positions. "We don't need anyone to do something extraordinary. We need everyone to do what they've trained all season to do."
Twig pointed to the team's preparation and big meet experience, and to the months of miles the athletes have invested. "They've earned the opportunity to compete for a trip to the State Championships."


Wick Pfitzer, junior: "Racing for All State is new for us, and the team is confident. My favorite moment this season was the Randolph meet, where I ran a new PR. Racing the same course at Sectionals helps us prepare and build confidence. Our goal is to win as a team. We just want to stay relaxed and enjoy it."

Brooks Johnson, sophomore: "I'm thankful and privileged to race. The team feels confident after the Randolph Invitational, but we're getting geared up for the close State Meet. Breaking 16 at Randolph and dropping a lot of seconds from my PR gave me confidence. My goal Thursday is to convince my teammates they are worthy of placing well and to trust the training. We are more than just a small school."

Anna Ragsdale, senior: "A whole season of work comes down to one race. The team is excited, a little nervous, and ready to leave it out there. My proudest moment was the Randolph Invitational, and the growth and connections on this team. My goal is to stay with the top group of Randolph girls. Give it your all, because you never know when your last race will be."

Meredith Walker, junior: "The team is excited. We've had a great season, and it's a privilege to race for State. I'm proudest of winning Southern Showcase, which taught me to race in the front pack. My goal is a top three finish individually. To my teammates: try your best. I love them all, no matter how it turns out."

How to Support the Raiders

The Sectional Meet is Thursday, October 29, at John Hunt Park, with racing beginning at 9:00 AM. Come out, cheer loudly, and follow @rraiderscc for updates.
"These kids have put in the work, and they deserve our support!" said Twig.