As the leaves turn and the air gets cooler, the Mills E. Godwin High School cross country team wrapped up a great 2025 season filled with many personal records, strong team efforts, and amazing performances at major invitational events. Under the coaching of head Tim Cryster and assistants Kristin Jacobs and Catherine Grossman, both the boys’ and girls’ varsity and JV squads showed growth, competing against top talents across Virginia. With the Virginia High School League (VHSL) regionals, which ended the season, the Eagles finished 6th overall.
The season kicked off strong with local meets building momentum. Still, both the girls’ and boys’ teams excelled at two of the most major events: The Great American XC Festival in Cary, North Carolina, on October 4, and the VA XC Showcase in Mechanicsville on October 18.
On the girls’ side, freshman Sophia Lindsey led the way with a 17:59.70 in the 5,000-meter (3.1 miles) at the XC Showcase, earning her 35th place overall and securing her a first-place team finish in that division. Lindsey’s time was a highlight, showcasing her speed, just weeks after she ran 19:54.20 in the Girls 5k CC Red at Great American, where the team placed 9th overall. Sophomore Sadie Flynn was right behind, running 20:22.50 (68th) at VA XC and 20:49.60 (29th) at Great American. Other contributors include junior Loren Grossman (20:26.50 at VA XC, 21:18.50 at Great American), freshman Gabriella Reyes (21:55.60 and 23:17.40), and freshman Natalie Eanes (22:21.40 and 24:14.80), who helped score points for Godwin.
The JV girls also impressed many, with 8th grader Elyssa Woolstenhulme clocking in an 22:40.50 at VA XC and 25:01.50 at Great American. Sophomore Hannah Thompson, whose massive improvement from 27:41.90 last year to 23:22.20 this year at VA XC, shows her and the team’s determination. The other Varsity and JV runners’ roster, including Katie Porter, Ambar Zoquier, Caroline Crook, and Gabriella Webb, combined for a solid team that helped them through every race.
The boys’ team matched the girls’ intensity, dominating the Boys Showcase at VA XC with a 24th-place finish. Senior Bradey Walker paced the team, bringing in a 15:45.60 for 53rd overall. Senior Caleb Wood followed Walker closely with a 15:47.30 (57th). The scoring five, Walker, Wood, sophomore Alex Buhler (16:36.20), senior Liam Robinson (16:46.40), and senior Luke Zalewski (17:05.30), helped the team win with a time of 1:22:01.
At Great American, the boys split across different divisions but stayed competitive. Walker led the way again with a 16:12.50 (112th) in the Boys 5K CC ROC, with Wood (16:29.40, 157th), Buhler (16:55.30, 222nd), Robinson (17:11.80, 253rd), and Zalewski (17:37.90, 301st). In the Red division, sophomores Jackson Rogers and Abhinav Padala tied at 18:47.60 and 18:47.70 (166th and 167th), while other JV runners like Luke Cresswell, Zack Schibetta, Joey Speich, and Emmet Schellenberg rounded out.
The Regional Championships took place on October 29 at Pole Green Park, where three runners qualified for states. Freshman Sophia Lindsey ran an 18:24.70, putting her in first place and earning her a ticket to states. Seniors Caleb Wood and Bradey Walker also ran qualifying times for states, Wood running a 16:12.60 and Walker with a 16:03.30.
As the 2025 fall season ends with winter sports starting up, the Godwin Cross Country team left a mark. From invitationals to regionals, the Eagles showcased determination and teamwork. Many runners delivered performances that enhanced Godwin’s reputation on both the boys’ and girls’ squads.
Reflecting on the season, the team’s determination shone through every single race. Whether running through a tough course or chasing a new personal record, the Eagles proved they could compete with the best. The 2025 season will be remembered for their growth and spirit.
