Written by Nolan Jez of MileStat
Sep 30, 2019
After just three years the annual VTCA XC Invitational has become a staple in the Richmond area and one of the few invitationals on Pocahontas’ quick course. With great course conditions and strong competition this past Saturday, the times were fast and the races were good.
The meet began with a bang in the girls’ varsity race. In this race, we got to see some of the best teams in the state battle it out. Upfront early was Midlothian followed by West Springfield and Maggie Walker who is also ranked in the state.
Individually it was all Mary Caroline Heinen who led from the start and never looked back. She ultimately won the race in 18:12, her fastest time of the year and a new meet record. It is also the 15th fastest time ever at Pocahontas State Park.
Though the individual race was over early on, the team race was very much alive. In a surprise finish, it was actually Maggie Walker taking home the team title and arguably pulling off a big upset over second-place West Springfield and third place Midlothian.
Their win was in no small part thanks to Josie Greer who her coach was quick to point out improved 30 seconds and ran down two girls to help lead the Green Dragons to a one-point victory over the WS Spartans.
The Maggie Walker team was comprised of MC Heinen-Sr (1), Mary Kemp-Jr (10), Brenna Luczak-Fr (14), Grace Pershing-Fr (25), Alexis Bartee-So (31), and Kathleen Russo-Jr (36).
MW Team Results:
Girl’s Varsity A-1st, Girl’s Varsity B- 1st, Girl’s Sub-Varsity -1st, Girl’s JV -1st, Boy’s Varsity A-3rd, Boy’s Varsity B-4th, Boy’s JV 4th
