Rye Country Day School hosted their annual home cross-country meet at Edith Read Sanctuary on October 16, welcoming Hopkins, Green Farms Academy, and Holy Child.

By Melanie Cane

Rye Country Day School hosted their annual home cross-country meet at Edith Read Sanctuary on October 16, welcoming Hopkins, Green Farms Academy, and Holy Child. The Wildcats enjoyed a great deal of success at their only home meet of the season. The cool weather and flat course through the wildlife sanctuary made for competitive racing and impressive performances.  

Junior Malcolm Nash once again finished first for Rye Country Day and sixth overall, besting his personal record time by almost 30 seconds, finishing in 17:55.

Finishing fifth for the Wildcats was senior co-captain Vlady Rachev, whose return to action following a lingering knee injury was most welcome. Other standout performances included those of freshmen Alex Goddard and Hunter Chun, both of whom shaved minutes off their personal bests. Coach Ethan White said, “It was truly an inspiring day!”

For the girls, the day was marked by close competition against rivals Green Farms Academy and Holy Child. Thanks to the efforts of top finishers Acacia Dougan (21:19), Sarah Vumbacco (22:30), and Elena Kim (22:31), the Wildcats managed to defeat Greens Farms and to come closer to beating their crosstown rival, Holy Child, than at any time in recent memory.

Coach White says the girls’ team is determined to improve on their .500 record by the end of the year.

The FAA Championships are November 4 at Todd’s Point in Greenwich.