The Raider cross country teams have spent the summer building up their base mileage and preparing for their 2024 campaign. While much of their time together was focused on rigorous training, the summer wasn’t without some fun. The Raiders enjoyed team-bonding activities, including kayaking down the Flint River, and the girls participated in their annual Baking Competition Party, a favorite off-the-course tradition.

The Raiders will kick off their season at the “Bob Jones Friendly Two Miler” in Madison on Saturday, August 24th, marking the official start of what promises to be an exciting year.

This season marks the Raiders’ fifth competing at the 6A level, a division determined by both the AHSAA’s multiplier and success factor. The 6A division boasts several powerhouse programs, making the competition fierce. The Raider boys enter the season ranked 7th in the state, trailing behind top teams such as Northridge, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Cullman, Chelsea, and Oxford. Local rival Saint John Paul II Catholic High comes in just behind them, ranked 8th in the preseason poll.

On the girls’ side, Randolph also enters ranked 7th in the state, following strong programs like Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Cullman, Fort Payne, Briarwood Christian, and Homewood. Saint John Paul II Catholic High is ranked 10th, setting up a competitive season between local rivals.

The boys' team will be led by Senior standout Eli de Oliveria and Junior Keaton Schroer, both poised to lead the Raiders with their experience and leadership. Supporting them will be a strong group of sophomores—Jasper Howse, Davis Cook, and Andrew Walker—rounding out the team’s top five.

On the girls’ team, Sophomore Anna Ragsdale and Junior Lucy Zhang will take charge, guiding a young but determined squad through the upcoming season.

The Raiders have a packed schedule ahead of them, featuring highly competitive meets like the Memphis “City Auto Twilight Classic,” the “Chickasaw Trails Invitational” in Oakville, the “Southern Showcase” at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, the “Dew it on the Trails Invite” in Decatur, and their very own “Randolph Invitational.” The season will culminate at the 6A Section 6 meet on October 31st at John Hunt Park, where the Raiders will face stiff competition from Saint John Paul II, Buckhorn, and Athens. The AHSAA State Meet is scheduled for November 9th at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park.

As always, the Raiders appreciate the support of their fans, and they look forward to seeing familiar faces cheering them on along the course!