Boys cross country takes first at Normal Community open, girls place 6th

Terrion Darnell, Aki Griffin, Bryce Hickman, Carter Hull, Ben Kerber, Bailey Kozlen, Malachi Mccool, Kevon Ramsey, Leonor Rivas, Brody Roberts and Anysia Russell • Sep 7, 2023

Boys cross country takes top honors at season opener

The boys cross country team took first in the Normal Community Co-Ed Open Sept. 1 at Maxwell Park, edging out Elmwood Brimfield 39-48.

Two Ironmen posted top-five finishes, with Joey Yaros taking second and Jack Thomas finishing fourth out of a field of 128 competitors.

Yaros (’25) posted a time of 15:52, two seconds off of first-place pace.

Thomas (’24) crossed the finish line at 16:18.

Sophomore A.J. Ince placed sixth for the Ironmen, with a time of 16:33.

Caden Nyman (17:33) and Colin Heayh (17:39) took 14th and 15th respectively, rounding out Community’s score.

The team races next at the Lee Halberg Invite on Sept. 9.

Cavanaugh leads young girls cross country roster in season opener

The girls cross country team placed sixth out of the seven-team field at the Normal Community Co-Ed Open, finishing 69 points behind meet winners El-Paso Gridley on Sept. 1.

Sophomore Lily Cavanaugh led the Iron at Maxwell Park, finishing 7th at 20:52.

Lauren Thomas (’27) and Beatrix Alvarez (’26) took 24th and 26th for Community, with times of 22:55 and 23:12 respectively.

Anna Fukumoto (’25) placed 34th (23:50), with Vidushi Shukla (’26) finishing in 47th place (25:31).

Community’s cross country roster is its smallest in decades, something evident in the season-opening race.

The team ran six competitors at the varsity level despite being eligible to race seven runners. Of the six runners, all but one are underclassmen.

The team next runs Sept. 9 at the Lee Halberg Invitational.

Correction: A previous version of this story spelled Anna Fukumoto’s name incorrectly.

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About the Contributors

Terrion Darnell, Staff Writer

Terrion Darnell is a senior at Normal Community High School, he is a member of the varsity basketball and track team. Terrion is a staff reporter for the Inkspot with this being his first year as a staff writer. I am most comfortable when I am with my friends or family. On the weekend I hang out with friends and make music. I'd really like to meet Jayson Tatum. A random fact about me is that I am adopted.

Aki Griffin, Staff Writer

Aki Griffin is a senior at Normal Community High School. This is his first year working with the Inkspot and he is the staff writer. My favorite film of all time is “Scarface.” In my lifetime I'd really like to meet LeBron James. If I won a million dollars I'd buy a 2022 AMG SL63 Mercedes.

Bryce Hickman, Senior Staff Reporter

Bryce Hickman is a senior at Normal Community High School and a member of Key Club. Bryce Hickman is a senior staff reporter for the Inkspot. I like practicing Jiu Jitsu and Taekwondo. My favorite film is "Princess Mononoke."

Carter Hull, Staff Reporter

Carter Hull is a senior and a member of Key club. He is also a staff reporter for the Inkspot. My hidden talent is my exceptional Bop-It! ability. My favorite film is Evil Dead 2.

Ben Kerber, Staff Writer

Ben Kerber is a senior at Normal Community High School and a member of the Ironmen football team. He is a staff writer in his first year working with the Inkspot. My Favorite Film is “Cars.” The farthest I've been from home is Hawaii. On the weekend I hang out with friends. I'd really like to meet Anthony Rizzo.

Bailey Kozlen, Staff Reporter

Bailey Kozlen is a senior at Normal Community High School. This is her second year working with the Inkspot as a staff reporter. She is involved with theatre and everything performing arts-related. In my free time, I love singing and going on long drives. My all-time dream is to live somewhere in a big city. My best advice is to take every chance and opportunity that comes your way.

Malachi Mccool, Staff Reporter

Malachi McCool is a senior at Normal Community High School and is involved in Music Technology club. This is his second year working with the Inkspot, and he is a staff reporter. A book that moved me was Neil Gaiman's "Norse Mythology." My favorite movie is "A Quiet Place Part II."

Leonor Rivas, Staff Reporter

Leonor Rivas is a senior at Normal Community High School. She is a staff reporter for the Inkspot. My favorite film is "Heathers." A book that moved me is "One For Sorrow."

Brody Roberts, Staff Writer

Brody Roberts is a junior at Normal Community High School and is involved in track and field. This is his first year working with the Inkspot, and he is a staff writer. What inspires me is my family and to make them proud. My favorite movie is “Oppenheimer.”

Anysia Russell, Staff Writer

Anysia Russell is a sophomore at Normal Community High School. This is her first year working with the Inkspot. She is a staff writer. In my free time, I enjoy writing poetry, reading, and listening to music. A slogan that I live by is “No grit, no grind, no glory.” My favorite films are the “Twilight” movie series.