Three straight State Championships and another individual title for Trip Hunt highlight the remarkable tradition of excellence established by the boys cross-country program. The Barons dominated the S.C. Independent School Assoc. 4A State Championship, finishing 27 points ahead of the runner-up with an impressive average time of 15:42 and all seven runners placing among the top 15. Leading the way was Trip, who captured his second consecutive individual State Championship with a time of 15:00.24. He earned All-State honors alongside Cole Henson (3rd), Gavin Getz (4th), and Caulder Williamson (8th), while Aiden Bradford (11th), Cordin Finley (12th), and Abel Ayres (15th) completed the championship lineup. The team earned a record of 170-10.
The girls cross-country team also enjoyed a strong showing, finishing third in the state with a season record of 91-46. Emmie Williamson earned All-State honors with a 10th-place finish, followed by Jane Foley (11th), Bella Wassmuth (13th), Kayla Henson (18th), CeCe Ayres (35th), Mary Mattison Gamble (41st), and Mary Foley (44th).
Both teams are led by Mr. Reid Schwartz ’09, head coach, who was assisted by Mr. Blane Russell ’10, Mrs. Catherine Kelley Schwartz ’16, Mr. Grier Schwartz ’16, Mr. Dustin Smith, and Mrs. Kristine Smith. The continued success of the cross-country program reflects more than athletic talent; it demonstrates the determination, sportsmanship, teamwork, and unwavering support that have made success a tradition at Wilson Hall.