With a quarter mile left on the dusty course, Annie Morell (‘28) streaked past another runner with eyes focused on the finish line. She wasn’t alone, Morell was in a top group fighting to earn points for their schools.
When the dust settled and the stampede of runners was over, Morell finished 8th, leading the way for the Spartans and collecting points for her top 10 finish.
Morell walked back to the finish line, feeling triumphant, gazing back on the beaten course, reflecting on the accomplishment she had just achieved. Then, the rest of the team came running to her, raising her up in elation, laughing and cheering all together.
For Morell, this season was about both the final finish and the memories she built along the way.
“Some of my favorite memories were the bonding, some of our long runs together, and the workouts on the hill,” Annie Morell said. “I knew we would get on the podium, but second place was a good surprise. I think we have a great team and I’m excited for next year.”
More runners finished who earned points. Samantha McMullin (‘29) crossed just eight seconds later in 20:20.15 finishing ninth.
Then came Ayla August. A bead of sweat dropped down belowAugust’s brow, making its way toward her determined eyes. The heat of the sun coated her face, body, and legs; all were getting fatigued from the long endurance. She whizzed past the second mile marker, and now, with that in the rearview mirror, the last mile was the new priority.
She passed one runner after another, feeling confident and striving for success. The crowd was now in eye-sight as she started her final sprint around the grassy trail. With each step, she got closer and closer to her goal. A sigh of relief came upon her as she crossed the worn finish line. She finished 12th.
Now, after the race, Ayla August (‘28) recounts her favorite memories from the season.
“One of my favorite moments with the team was when I would be running and hear my fellow teammates cheering for me on the course. It helped motivate me during my race, and I loved it when I was able to do the same for them,” Ayla August said.
Some consider running to be an individual sport, but Morell, August and their teammates see it differently.
“I think this small act of support made a difference and brought us closer together as a team and as friends,” August said.
The performances of the CSD girls’ cross country team will be something remembered for a long while. The 2025 season was a great success for the Spartans, a long journey which began with hot practices then transitioned to cold mornings and tough courses and ended with a state silver medal.
The team prevailed and gained success through it all.
Final Results – North Carolina State Championships
Katherine Selfridge (‘28) – 106th place – 25:55.57
Juliana Clark (‘27) – 93rd – 25:06.53
Dijle Ulukaya (29’) – 73rd – 24:03.58
Chloe Cordero (‘26) – 45th place – 22:52.78
Ayla August (‘28) – 12th – 20:45.88
Samantha McMullin (‘29) – 9th 20:20.15
Annie Morell (‘28) – 8th – 20:12.08.
Team – 2nd (out of 18 different schools)
