RMA boys repeat as NCISAA champions
The Rocky Mount Academy boys’ cross country team has repeated as the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II state champions. Led by five runners placing in the top 10 — including overall winner Reid Gross — the Eagles finished with 19 points to easily outdistance St. Thomas More Academy, which was second with 70 points, and Hickory Christian Academy, which took third with 121 points, at McAlpine Park in Charlotte. Faith Christian School ended up 14th with 353 points. On the boys’ side, Gross, a junior, captured the state championship by completing the course in 16:02.51, more than 27 seconds better than his teammate, junior Sage Burrison (16:28.64). Junior Auvi Alston finished third in 16:29.61 while senior Benjamin Spain ended up fourth in 16:47.77. RMA’s fifth scorer, sophomore Thomas Vaughn, emerged ninth overall in 17:51.65. Other competitors for the Eagles included freshman Logan Williams (29th in 19:41.72) and freshman Alex Vire (34th in 19:49.35). Faith Christian’s highest-placing runner was junior Ethan Carr, who was 33rd overall in 19:49.31. Other Patriots competing included sophomore Zachary Rabe (83rd in 24:20.02), freshman Luke Roberts (93rd in 24:58.45), freshman Chance Pridgen (94th in 25:06.16), seventh-grader Roman James (103rd in 26:40.39) and freshman
