Assumption cross country teams sweep diocese championship

Posted on February 3, 2021 By Editor Junior Residents

The Assumption Cross Country team

The Assumption cross country teams whizzed past 14 competing schools to win the Diocese of St. Augustine Cross Country Championship held at Bishop Kenny High School on Nov. 14.

The girls’ varsity led throughout to win the 3K-team competition. Lucrezia Gowdy finished first individually, while Stephanie Grden, Quinn Camerlengo, Jillian Jakab, Alexandra Lumpkin and Olivia Lumpkin all finished among the top 10.

The boys’ varsity team also placed first in its 3K team competition. Patton Avera, Joe Joseph, Lucas Andrade, and Gabriel Andrade all finished among the top 10 finishes individually.

Graziana Gowdy finished first among junior varsity girls as Assumption won in the girls’ junior varsity 2K team competition. Gigi Werstine, Katelyn King, Taylor Lawhon, and Sarah Ruen powered Assumption by finishing among the top 10. Meanwhile, the boys’ junior varsity team polished off the winning streak by placing first in its 2K team competition. Johnny Patelli, Seth Paulus, Henry Morreale, and Shane Taylor all finished in the top 10 individually.

Graziana Gowdy with Eloise Libra and Evelyn Slattery

The challenges faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the practice start date until early November and reduced the number of meets from five to three. The meets took place at Bishop Snyder, the St. John’s Fair Grounds, and Bishop Kenny.

Cross-country is the single largest sports program within the Diocese of St. Augustine. Catholic schools from Duval, St. Johns, Clay County, and Flagler counties participated. In addition to the varsity and junior varsity teams, Assumption offers the sport to students in grade levels K-4 who wish to learn proper running form and strength training while having fun.