Adidas XC Challenge

Credits: VHHS XC

The Vestavia Hills Cross Country team began its journey to Cary, NC, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, for the Adidas XC Challenge. 44 athletes crammed onto a charter bus for 9 hours doesn’t exactly sound ideal, but the athletes made it work and found ways to have fun and keep themselves busy on the long ride. Around 6 hours into the ride, the team stopped for lunch at a Chick-fil-A in South Carolina. This was a good break and time to stretch for the athletes. 

Finally, the team arrived at their hotel in North Carolina. They quickly unloaded the bus and then got ready for a run on the course. This was the first time the majority of the athletes had run the course. A handful of athletes competed in the NXR championships last December, which was held on the same course. After doing some mileage and strides, the athletes went to Fenton, a shopping center with several food options, for dinner. Athletes were able to choose their dinner in small groups. Some chose Colletta, an Italian restaurant, to carb load for the race, while others chose Tex-Mex, similar to Chuy’s, for something quick and easy. After dinner, athletes were given time to clean up and get ready for bed. Thursday was a long travel day for everyone. 

Friday morning came, and athletes ate the complimentary hotel breakfast. After, they went for a quick shakeout run on the course again. It’s important to know the course well. After the shakeout run, athletes were given free time until lunch. Some chose to do school work, others chose to hang out and play games, while some chose to nap. For lunch, the team went to a different shopping center. They were given the choice of lunch again. Many athletes chose to eat at Cava, while others chose Chipotle. There were a plethora of choices ranging from a sandwich place to Chinese food. After lunch, they went back to the course to set up for the race. Everyone helped set up the tent area. Setting up didn’t take super long. 

Soon after, the team was on its way to go bowling. There was a championship game with one boy and one girl representative from each grade. On the boys' side, Davis Witt, the senior, took the championship. On the girls' side, Grace Won, the freshman, took the championship. Bowling provided an opportunity to strengthen team bonding and team culture. Teams were intermixed with different grades playing with each other. 

After bowling, the team headed back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. The team ate at Olive Garden for dinner. The hotel was under construction, so there wasn’t a room large enough to accommodate the cross-country team. However, the team was flexible and didn’t complain about eating Olive Garden in the hotel parking lot. Athletes sat along the sidewalk and in the parking lot eating Olive Garden. This also helped foster a unique team bonding experience. After dinner, athletes stayed off their feet and got ready for the big day on Saturday. 

Saturday morning began really early, and the team arrived at the course at 6:30 am.

The first race was the Boys JV 5k at 8am. Michael Cox led the team with a time of 18:13 and a personal record (PR) for him. Following close behind him was Will Carter, who finished with a time of 18:25, also a PR for him. They started the day off strong.

Following them was the Girls JV 5k at 8:30am. Avery Grace led the team with a time of 21:29. Following closely behind her was Genevieve Gammill, who ran a time of 21:30. Ella Smith finished soon after with a time of 21:49. These three girls all placed in the top 15 and received medals for their achievements.

Following the JV Girls race was the Boys Varsity 5k at 9am. JT Hayes paved the way with a time of 15:39, just a little off his PR. He finished in the top 25 and received a medal for his accomplishment. Following him was Jackson Mize, who finished with a time of 16:12, also just a little off his PR. Ezra Booher came in behind him with a time of 16:27, also slightly off his PR. Ethan Meadows came in with a time of 16:28. Closely behind came Mason Thompson, with a time of 16:31. These boys all contributed to their 3rd place team finish out of 34 teams. They received a plaque for their achievement.

Following the Varsity boys’ race was the Varsity girls’ 5k race at 9:24am. AJ Litty led the way with a time of 19:28. Abby Allen and Millie Black followed with times of 20:06 and 20:26, respectively.

Overall, it was a tough but fun course to run with many PRs and many close to their PRs. It was a fun and successful trip that helped strengthen team bonds and foster a tight-knit community between athletes and coaches.