Cross Country Has Perfect Run to Sweep Its Own Invitational

Fearful of the intense heat and humidity that have plagued the Tennessee Valley all through September, McCallie cross country coach Rodney Stoker decided to start the varsity’s race in the McCallie Invitational at 8 a.m. on Saturday at beautiful McDonald Farm.

With the temperature a crisp 62 degrees at that time, it was an inspired decision. But if the thermometer was on the cool side, the Blue Tornado runners were scalding, with eight runners crossing the finish line before any other school’s competitor and senior Drew Beroset finishing first with a white-hot time of 15:47.

It was Beroset’s second straight Invitational victory and provided a good starting point in preparation for the November 5 state meet in Memphis, which Beroset also won last season.

“Obviously, Drew is fitter and even stronger than he was a year ago,” said Stoker. “But for this to be our first race of the year, I was impressed with the whole squad. We lost six valuable seniors from last year’s team, guys who had been real leaders and contributors, so this was encouraging as we move forward.”

For Beroset, winning a second straight Invitational on the pastoral McDonald Farm layout was just the start he was hoping for heading into a busy fall season that includes this weekend’s  prestigious Great American Cross Country Festival in Cary, N.C.

“It’s got great teams from all over the country,” noted Stoker. “But also some of the best individual runners. It will be a good test for Drew and our whole team.

Said Beroset of his Invitational win, “It’s not a super-fast course, but it definitely helps get you ready for the rest of the season. I was faster than last year. Being a part of this team, this school, has been better than I could have ever imagined.”

Finishing immediately behind Beroset was Nico Wilkinson at 16:10.52, followed by Max Rekate in third at 16:23.10 and junior Rhensler Hubbard in fourth at 16:31.17. Freshman Miles Kirksey was fifth at 17:08.39. Those top-five finishers gave McCallie a perfect score of 15 points and first place. Archrival Baylor was second with 54 points, followed by Christ’s Legacy Academy with 74 points.

Helen Kates led Girls Preparatory School to a 15-48 win over Baylor’s girls, with Bruiser teammates Finley Sarkis and Eleanor Kates finishing second and third.

Hubbard was going to school in Houston, Texas, this time last year. Deciding he needed a change, he enrolled at McCallie, which he said, “checked all the boxes. Great academics. Cared about how you turned out, what kind of person you are. Love the outdoors side of it. Just couldn’t be happier here.”

Stoker couldn’t be happier with the potential of McDonald Farm for both the Invitational and other running events. He and Alan Outlaw spent close to 40 hours each prepping the course for the race, and Stoker believes the site’s future is “Unlimited. It’s beautiful out here. When people see it, they’re going to want to come back.”

Recently retired track and field and cross country coach Mike Wood was on hand for Saturday’s race, sporting a fair amount of stubble on his chin and cheeks.

“When you’re retired, shaving is optional,” said Wood with a grin. Wood started the Invitational in 2004. “Besides, my granddaughter Stella loves the whiskers.”

As he walked the course in the early-morning chill, Wood said, “This place is incredible. What a beautiful setting.”

And on the first day of autumn that felt like autumn, what an incredible start to Rivalry Week.