Fourteen VES boys took to the road on September 29^th to compete against VIC teams on the rolling Chatham Hall 5km course. The day provided an opportunity for the Bishop Harriers to test themselves on the site of the Conference Championship racecourse later in the season on October 30^th. Joining the Bishops on the start line were Blue Ridge, Eastern Mennonite, North Cross, and Covenant. Race day featured sunny skies and humid conditions, and shortly before 5.00P in the afternoon, the starting gun sounded and the field of 40 runners headed out across the opening field and into the rolling hills of the Chatham Hall campus.  

As he has done all season, senior co-captain Colin Walsh surged to the front in the early stages of the race, and never relinquished his lead. A tight battle for spots 2 -5 between Covenant and North Cross runners continued throughout the race. This group of four runners was followed closely by a VES pack, consisting of co-captain Joshua Schindler, Ryan Locker, and George Jones. This trio did an excellent job holding off a hard charging North Cross runner in the final stages of the race. Thomas Fenton was the fifth finisher for VES, and he was followed closely by David Herbert and Paden Garrard, rounding out the top seven scoring runners. Team scores can be found below:

VES 23, Covenant 36
VES 15, Eastern Mennonite 49
VES 25, North Cross 31
VES 15, Blue Ridge 50

The coaches continue to work with the team on matters related to goals, and taking steps each day to achieve them. Specifically, the topic of accountability has been discussed on several levels in recent practices, and we are learning that accountability is a necessary ingredient for teams that aim to reach their goals. In doing so, the kids are learning that all voices, and runners, and all teammates matter, regardless of speed, experience, and ability.  

Looking Forward

Caissons Invitational: 10/12.

Hosted by Fishburne Military Academy, the site is Coyner Springs Park, 2091 Lyndhurst Road, Waynseboro, VA. The first race is scheduled for 4.00P.  All VES runners, V and JV, will compete in this race.  At this time, VES does not have any COVID related spectator information. This information will be shared out as it becomes available. 

Family Fall Weekend Home Invite, Senior Day: 10/22.

The boys’ race is schedule for 4.00P, and the girls’ race is scheduled for 4.30P. Presently, the Presbyterian Home is allowing spectators.  

The Conference Meet: 10/30.

VES boys’ teams compete in the Virginia Independent Conference (VIC) and the girls’ teams compete in the Blue Ridge Conference (BRC). The conference championship race is currently scheduled to take place @ Chatham Hall School on Saturday, 10/30.  No further details, like race times and spectator information, is available at this time. Currently, Chatham Hall is not allowing spectators. Historically, this race has featured a boys’ varsity race (top 7), a girls’ varsity race (top 7), and a combined, mixed gender JV race.  

The Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA) Meet, AKA The State Meet: 11/11.  Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Park Lane, Mechanicsville, VA. VES competes in the division 2 races.  

1. 2:30 p.m. DIVISION I BOYS’ CHAMPIONSHIP RACE
2. 3:00 p.m. DIVISION II BOYS’ CHAMPIONSHIP RACE
3. 3:30 p.m. DIVISION I GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP RACE
4. 4:00 p.m. DIVISION II GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP RACE

From the Race Website: VISAA will charge a fee of $10.00 for admission onto the grounds of Pole Green Park for the Championships. Tickets must be purchased on Ticket Spicket. A ticket is the only way to get onto the meet site for spectators. Check the race website here for updates.