News

The Richmond Hill High School (RHHS) cross-country teams achieved another impressive achievement. The boys' and girls' Running Wildcats won the GHSA 6A Region 1 title, marking the 12th consecutive region title for the boys and the 13th for the girls. 

Led by standout performances from senior Ben Hall for the boys and sophomore Julia Anastasio for the girls, the Wildcats are headed again to the state championships next weekend in Carrolton, Georgia. Head Coach Levi Sybert expressed pride in his team's growth over the season, particularly given the challenges each team faced at the end. 

"I'm super excited about how both squads performed tight in a competitive environment," Sybert shared. "The girls were easily going to win their Region, which provided a different mentality on their race as opposed to the boys. The boys had a very tight and difficult task, so for them to deliver a 12th straight region title in that pressure situation is very exciting for all."

Boys Team: Top Performers at Sectionals

Ben Hall, a senior, showcased his leadership and talent by capturing the individual Region Champion title with a personal record and placing 3rd overall in the GHSA Sectional 6-1 Boys 5000 Meter Run Finals. Hall crossed the finish line in 15:22, leading the team to a 3rd place finish with a team score of 110 points and an average time of 16:12. Right behind him was junior Carter Dieterich, who finished 5th at 15:27.

PHOTO - Ben Hall RHHS XC

The rest of the boys' team also had strong support from sophomores Eddie Howell, who placed 16th (16:14), and Lealond Hodges, who placed 41st (16:54). Senior Noah Bowman finished 45th 17:01 for the fifth score in the team total—these times solidified a third-place standing at sectionals.

Girls Team: Top Performers at Sectionals

On the girls' side, which also finished 3rd overall, was led by Julia Anastasio, who finished 7th overall in 19:11. She was closely followed by freshman Chloe Miller, who placed 10th with a time of 19:29, and sophomore Gabriella Francis, who finished 16th with a time of 19:55. 

 Additional key runners included Adeline Althen (17th, 19:55), Alannah Bowling (42nd, 21:23), Carlee Hodges (52nd, 21:49), and Norah Sybert (55th, 22:00), The girls' team, which also finished 3rd overall at sectionals with a score of 92 points and an average time of 19:59, showed depth in their lineup. Coach Sybert is looking forward to the team's next meet, the GHSA state championships

"Confidence and understanding is there at the right time for both teams," Sybert noted. He also had this to say about senior Ben Hall. "What a fun finish to the season Ben is writing."

As RHHS cross-country teams prepare for the final meet, it is more motivated than ever to add to its legacy of success. With a strong foundation built on dedication and teamwork, the boys' and girls' squads have set their sights on bringing home state titles every year to Richmond Hill.

Photo Credit:  Courtesy Richmond Hill High School XC/Track Social Media pages

FOLLOW the Prep Sports Report on Twitter @PrepSav and Instagram savannahsportsreport. If you have any scores, information, or story ideas to share, please email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com.