Photo by Johnathon Kelso

MACON—Holy Spirit Preparatory School’s varsity cross-country team competed in the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) State Championship on Nov. 6. 

The last meet of the season took place at Middle Georgia State University in Macon.

“The team excelled in giving their best during the season,” said Michael Spino, cross-country coach for Holy Spirit Prep. “Everyone tried to achieve wholeheartedly.”

This was the first year the girls’ cross-country team had a complete roster. Freshman Isabella Ramirez led the girls’ team in the 3A 5k with a time of 23:38.32, scoring 15 points in the Nov. 6 meet. Ramirez placed first in the 8th Annual Battle of Sandy Springs on Aug. 28.

Freshmen classmates Brooke Nguyen and Keira Jessop finished with 65 and 81 points respectively. Reagan Neff, the only sophomore on the female team, earned 34 points. Juniors Kira Taylor and Ava Sepo earned 54 and 69 points, respectively. 

The boy’s team finished as well as last year. Davis Braun, a sophomore, placed the highest in the meet with a 19:37.47 in the 5000m, scoring 16 points. Sophomores Adam Young, Norman Labbé and Ulises Ramirez Sanroman finished with 24, 39 and 64 points respectively. 

Holy Spirit Prep cross-country runner Norman Labbe’ prepares to start a timed lap during a practice on the school grounds. Photo by Johnathon Kelso

Senior Emil Sacco finished at 20:48.12 with 25 points. Eighth grader Nolan Stewart finished with 35 points, earning fourth place for the team in the meet.

Despite some injuries and changes in runners, Spino was happy with the results of the meet. Next year, he plans to expand practice over the summer to help the team prepare for the season, especially since new teams are competing at great levels. 

Spino also looks forward to the numerous middle schoolers who will be eligible to compete on the varsity cross-country team next year. 

“The future looks bright,” he said.