For the sixth consecutive year, the Xavier High School Cross Country Team showed their mettle, dominating the CIAC Class L State Championship with a standout performance at Wickham Park on Saturday. With a decisive 42 points, the Falcons soared past New Canaan (85 points) and Bethel (194 points) to claim the title and extend their remarkable winning streak.
The victory was anchored by a team effort that saw four Xavier harriers earn All-State honors. Leading the charge was senior Owen Martin, whose steady pace and powerful finish secured him third place overall with an impressive time of 16:04. Not far behind, senior Jack Ouellette crossed the line in 16:20 to take fifth place. The depth of the senior class shone brightly as Owen Jones followed with a ninth-place finish in 16:52, while Ian Schmeelk claimed 12th place, clocking in at 16:56. Rounding out the scoring for the Falcons was junior Nolan O'Connor, who pushed himself to a 13th-place finish with a time of 17:01.
Each runner played a crucial role in this championship run, exemplifying Xavier's enduring legacy of excellence and teamwork. Their success wasn’t simply about individual times but the collective spirit that fueled their race from start to finish, embodying the camaraderie and relentless determination that defines Xavier athletics.
With their latest triumph, the Falcons continue to set the standard in Class L, etching another chapter into the storied history of Xavier Cross Country.