McDowell Track and Field
McDowell Cross Country
established 1962
established 1957
2020
As a result of the global pandemic, with Covid-19, the team was not able to compete in any invitationals other than districts and states. Senior Claire Belton became the first female runner in 41 years to earn a state medal. Her 14th place finish at the state meet was the highest ever for a McDowell runner. Belton was also the first female to win back-to-back individual district titles. Junior Sara Renshaw finished 5th at districts, and 86th at the state meet. Freshman, Kaitlyn Stravinsky had the second-best finish ever for a freshman by finishing 88th (Emily Evans- 79th in 2001). Lexi Pierce finished 6th at districts, and 97th at the state meet. Katerina Farrell (7th), Kaitlyn Stravinsky (8th) and Kyla Kramer (9th) all placed in the top 10 at the district meet. The team won the district title for the third consecutive year.
2021
The young girls' squad managed to finish 2nd to Villa Maria for the Region title. Senior, Sara Renshaw was the Alumni Race winner, and was the only member that was 1st team All-Region. Sophomore, Brooke Hudnall, was the only runner to qualify for states with her 7th place finish at districts. She was 2nd team All-Region. Sophomore, Kaitlyn Stravinsky was also 2nd team All-Region. She placed 9th at districts.
2022
The young girls' team was lead by freshman Hayden Palmer. She was the winner of the alumni race. She was 1st team All-Region, and qualified for states with her 4th place finish at districts. Sophomore, Hannah Palmer also qualified for states with her 5th place finish at districts. She was 2nd team All-Region. Joining her on that team was Mary Grace Stravinsky, Brooke Hudnall, and freshman Grace Faulkner.
2023
Hannah Palmer was named the Runner of the Year and was 1st team All-Region. Hayden Palmer was 2nd team All-District with her 4th place finish. She was also 1st team All-Region. Her 61st place at the state meet was the third best ever for a sophomore (Michelle Brown, 29th, 1978, Sue Edgett, 51st, 1978). Freshman, Lauren Dever was 1st team All-District with her 3rd place finish. She was also 1st team All-Region. Her 112th place at the state meet was the 4th best ever for a freshman. Kaitlyn Stravinsky was named to the 2nd team All-Region.
2024
1968
The 1968 cross country team had 19 new runners, but still managed a successful season with 9 wins and only 2 losses. The team won the Central Catholic Invitational, took 2nd at Section 1, lost districts to Strong Vincent, and placed 6th at the state meet. The team was led by All-State runner, and captain, Jon Bannister, and captain Jay Pratt, who finished 10th at districts. Bannister finished 12th at the state meet to tie the highest finish ever by a McDowell runner.
1969
The girls' team had their highest finish at states since 1980 with a 12th place finish (other than the Covid year of 2020). Leading the team was Sophomore Lauren Dever. She was the district champ, first team All-Region, 2nd team All-District and placed 35th at the state meet. Her place at the state meet was the second best for a sophomore in school history (Michelle Brown, 29, 1978). Freshman, Bella Hebner was first team All-Region, 2nd team All-District and placed 95th at the state meet. Her place was the third best in school history for a freshman (Emily Evans- 79, 2001, and Kaitlyn Stravinsky- 88, 2020). Hayden Palmer was the Alumni Race winner and was 1st team All-Region. Hannah Palmer and freshman Addiston Klinge were 2nd team All-Region.
