Flying in the Meadows

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Reut Shahar flys through the “Ross’s Loop” meadows on her way to victory.

The pageantry of autumn is weeks away. For cross-country runners, the cool mornings, crisp air, and colorful foliage of fall signal a special time of year when long runs and fast races set the cadence for each passing week. It is a magical time at MSA and pure bliss if you are a runner.

As the first trees on campus begin to drop their leaves and illuminate with October hues, the cross-country team is ramping up its season and turning heads at races. On Wednesday, MSA hosted over 150 runners for its Invitational CC race. Head Coach Becca LaVaoie designed a new course, weaving through gravel roads, singletrack trails, and the iconic meadows. Adding Ross's Loop Meadow (named in honor of legendary MSA English teacher Chris Ross) to the mix treated racers with a breathtaking panorama of the Blue Ridge Mountains as they tackled the grueling 800-meter loop. It is the first time in over twenty years that the team has competed on a new course—it did not disappoint.

MSA led start to finish in both the boys and girls varsity races. Dietrich Larson stormed off the start line and held off a trio of chasers the entire race. He took his first win of the season in front of a home crowd.

In the girls race, Reut Shahar was on a mission. She catapulted up the opening climb and never glanced back. Flying through the meadows, Reut was in a league of her own on Wednesday night. She won the race and led the Mavericks to an overall team victory. Both Reut and Dietrich now own the times to beat on the iconic new course.