NORTH SCITUATE, Rhode Island – A pair of Houlton/Greater Houlton Christian Academy cross country runners logged exceptional times at the New England Cross Country Championships over the weekend.
Teanne Ewings and Natalie Johnson squared off against elite runners from around New England at Ponaganset High School, and managed to log impressive times for a seasonably warm fall race.
“The girls really rose to the challenge running against the best competition they have seen all year,” coach Chris Rines said. “Just about every girl in this race is an all conference, all state, league or state champion in their home states and everyone of these girls had to run incredibly well to be in this race.”
NORTH SCITUATE, Rhode Island — November 12, 2022 — Houlton/GHCA runner Natatlie Johnson (center) competed in the New England Cross Country Championships over the weekend. (Photo courtesy of Tegan Ewings)
Featuring a field of 245 runners, Ewings finished 19th, with a time of 19 minutes, 13.20 seconds for the 3.1-mile course. Johnson placed 105th with a time of 20:59.70. Orono runner Ruth White won the girls race with a time of 17:51.30
“The girls ran really well,” Rines said. “The course was one of the quicker ones we have had this season and certainly much faster than last year’s course in Vermont.”
With the remnants of Hurricane Nicole threatening the area, Saturday’s race actually turned out to be sunny and 70, providing the perfect setting for runners, the coach said.
The top 25 individuals were honored with ‘All New Englands’ status and presented a medal for their accomplishment. Ewings’ finish is now the best finish at the New England Championships, besting last year’s 52nd-place finish.
