For the first time in school history, both the St. Andrew’s–Sewanee School boys’ and girls’ cross country teams have qualified for the state championships in the same season. While each program has advanced to state in previous years, this marks the first time both teams will compete together on the state stage.

At the TSSAA Division II-A East Regional Meet on Oct. 28, at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville, both teams earned top finishes among 18 competing schools to secure their spots at state.

The boys’ team finished third out of 18 schools, led by senior captain Micah Moody, who placed fifth. Sophomore Timi Stefanut ran a personal best of 18:57.33 to take 14th, followed by Arthur Glacet in 15th (19:04.26) and Mason Sparacio in 18th with a season-best 19:09.84. Daniel Pastor (32nd), Guillermo Ruiz De La Herran Sanjuan (33rd), and Eoin Pate (49th) rounded out the team’s strong performance.

The girls’ team finished fourth out of 18 schools. Eighth grader Nora Jane Elrod led the team with a 14th-place finish (22:19.47), followed by Annanoel Sparacio (15th, 22:32.71), Lillian Crigger (19th, 22:54.52), and Catherine Barnett, who ran a personal best for 27th place (23:37.96). Annika Stefanut (33rd), Elowyn Pate (40th), and Beatrice Pate (41st, PR) completed the scoring effort.

In the JV race, junior Ed Smith claimed victory with a season-best time of 20:37.09. Benji Sowell finished close behind in second place (22:06.03), and Dylan Bruscato took fourth with a personal record of 22:36.98. Ayden Allen and Seanna Mainord also turned in strong performances for the Mountain Lions.

“This group has shown incredible dedication and heart all season,” said Head Coach Joe Mahler. “For both teams to qualify for state in the same year is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of their hard work and team spirit.”