LHSAA Cross Country Seasons Off To A Fast Start
by Hunter Bower, GeauxPreps.com Owner
The 2023 LHSAA Cross Country season is officially underway, and the high school cross country enthusiasts across Louisiana have already been treated to some thrilling races and standout performances. Let’s dive into the action from the past week!
St. Joseph’s Academy Girls Dominate the Episcopal Round Table Run
The St. Joseph’s Academy girls’ team wasted no time in asserting their dominance as they embarked on their 2022 title defense. At the 44th annual Episcopal Round Table Run, the Redstickers showed their mettle by taking first place. Led by the stellar performance of senior Grace Rennhoff, who finished as the runner-up with a time of 17:50.29, the team displayed remarkable consistency.
St. Joseph’s not only secured individual success but also clinched the team title with an impressive total of 28 points. Their performance left their competitors in the dust, as they finished a staggering 81 points ahead of the runner-up, Mt. Carmel. The Redstickers’ determination and teamwork were on full display, setting a high standard for the rest of the season.
In boys action, Matthew Maynard of Catholic-BR captured first place with a time of 15:33.74. His time was the fastest for the Week of Sept. 4. The Bears took home the team title with 90 points.
Parkway High School’s Dominance at the Border Dash
Over in Bossier City, the Border Dash, hosted annually by Parkway High School, provided a platform for some outstanding cross country action. The Panther boys’ team flexed their muscles and made a statement by sweeping the event. Four Parkway runners displayed exceptional form, finishing within the top 5.
Gabriel Falting led the charge, securing the top spot with an impressive time of 15:37.80. Parkway High School’s performance was nothing short of dominant, and they are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with this season.
Claire Allen’s Gold at the Border Dash
In the girls’ race at the Border Dash, it was sophomore sensation Claire Allen of Benton who captured the gold. Allen displayed incredible determination and athleticism, completing the course in a remarkable time of 19:51.60. Her victory was a testament to her dedication and talent in the sport.
Meanwhile, the team title in the girls’ division went to C.E. Byrd, who accumulated a total of 76 points and secured three top 10 finishes. The competition in the girls’ race was fierce, and C.E. Byrd’s performance was a standout moment in the event.
The 2023 LHSAA Cross Country season is off to an exciting start, with St. Joseph’s Academy, Parkway High School, and individual standout Claire Allen making their presence felt early on. As the season unfolds, we can expect even more thrilling races and exceptional performances from Louisiana’s high school cross country athletes. Stay tuned to GeauxPreps.com for all the latest updates, results, and highlights as we follow the exciting journey of these talented runners.
Varsity Boys Fastest Times (Week of Sept. 4)
1. Matthew Maynard, Catholic-BR, 15:33.74 – (Sept. 9)
2. Gabriel Falting, Parkway, 15:37.80 – (Sept. 9)
3. Mason Heffernan, Dutchtown, 15:40.71 – (Sept. 9)
4. David Lemann, Catholic-BR, 15:45.13 – (Sept. 9)
5. Noah Bernard, Teurlings Catholic, 15:47.44 – (Sept. 9)
Varsity Girls Fastest Times (Week of Sept. 4)
1. Catalina Reichard, Mt. Carmel, 17:43.96 – (Sept. 9)
2. Grace Rennhoff, St. Joseph’s Academy, 17:50.29 – (Sept. 9)
3. Elise Brown, St. Joseph’s Academy, 18:16.49 – (Sept. 9)
4. Michelle Daigle, St. Joseph’s Academy, 18:26.02 – (Sept. 9)
5. Ava Hartman, Newman, 18:31.17 – (Sept. 9)
2023 LTFCA Cross Country Polls (Sept. 11, 2023)
Boys Small School Rankings
| Rank | Team | Points |
| 1 | Parkview Baptist (2) | 90 |
| 2 | Newman | 84 |
| 3 | E.D. White (2) | 73 |
| 4 | Episcopal-BR (6) | 70 |
| 5 | Country Day | 55 |
| 6 | Episcopal of Acadiana | 51 |
| 7 | Cedar Creek | 42 |
| 8 | ARCA | 18 |
| 9 | John Curtis | 11 |
| 10 | Choudrant | 10 |
Girls Small School Rankings
| Rank | Team | Points |
| 1 | E.D. White (7) | 90 |
| 2 | ARCA (2) | 73 |
| 3 | Episcopal-BR | 69 |
| 4 | Newman | 68 |
| 5 | Ascension Episcopal | 67 |
| 6 | St. Thomas Aquinas (1) | 42 |
| 7 | St. Michael | 35 |
| 8 | Cedar Creek | 27 |
| 9 | Country Day | 24 |
| 10 | Central Private | 12 |
Boys Large School Rankings
| Rank | Team | Points |
| 1 | Jesuit (10) | 100 |
| 2 | Brother Martin | 90 |
| 3 | Catholic-BR | 75 |
| 4 | Parkway | 61 |
| 5 | Dutchtown | 57 |
| 6 | Central Lafourche | 52 |
| 7 | Zachary | 38 |
| 8 | Teurlings Catholic | 25 |
| 9 | Ruston | 24 |
| 10 | Central-BR | 16 |
Girls Large School Rankings
| Rank | Team | Points |
| 1 | St. Joseph (10) | 100 |
| 2 | Mt. Carmel | 90 |
| 3 | Vandebilt Catholic | 75 |
| 4 | Ruston | 71 |
| 5 | St. Thomas More | 66 |
| 6 | Parkway | 39 |
| 7 | C.E. Byrd | 36 |
| 8 | Dutchtown | 22 |
| 9 | Teurlings Catholic | 14 |
| 10 | Domincan | 13 |