By James Hanlon
Leader Staff Writer
Oxford High School’s Girls Cross Country team ran a breathtaking pace this season, led by young talent – many of them freshmen.
The team claimed the Oakland County Championship at Kensington Metropark in Milford Oct. 9. “The Oxford girls did exactly what we were hoping to do,” said Coach Sarah Canham. “Win!”
As a team, Oxford scored 111, just ahead of Walled Lake Northern with 116. Freshman Mallory Bigelow came in fifth overall in the 5,000 meter race with a time of 19:31.20.
The team followed up their success last Thursday, Oct. 21 winning the OAA Red Jamboree #3 in Clarkston. The Wildcats cut second-place-Troy by nearly half, 37 to 62. “Our goal was getting as many girls in the top 15 as possible,” Canham explained, “and we were successful in getting five in there along with some personal records.”
Mallory Bigelow came in second overall with a personal record of 18:23.10. Sophomore Braydee Elling placed 4th (19:16.00), freshman Taylor Brodeur, 5th (19:29.90), senior Jessa Chapin, 12th (19:58.30) and freshman Jamie Patterson 14th (20:05.00).
“Our work is not done as we get ready to compete at Regionals,” Canham said. Regionals will be Friday at Anchor Bay High School.