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A snowbound week without team training could not stop McLean’s indoor track team from securing its first Liberty District championship since 2005.
The Highlanders captured the district title Friday, Jan. 30, at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex. Junior Sydney Walker said athletes found ways to complete workouts and prepare despite being unable to run outside before the meet.
McLean’s boys earned 10 medals, including three golds. Seniors Tommy Milward and Vikram East, junior Adam Hartshorn and sophomore Bryce Yang won the 4×800-meter relay. Stephen Shields finished first in the 55-meter hurdles, while seniors Owen Rasmussen, Luke Hamel and Milward joined junior Peyton Tabor to win the 4×400-meter relay.
The girls collected 11 medals and five first-place finishes. Juniors Addy Budday, Jaidyn Budday and Walker teamed with senior Catherine Thomas for gold in the 4×800-meter relay.
Jaidyn Budday also swept the 1,000- and 1,600-meter races. Walker won the 3,200 meters, and junior Sophie Knudson placed first in the pole vault.
Walker credited McLean’s success to its strength across numerous events and to teammates stepping into larger roles when the meet did not unfold entirely as planned.
The Highlanders will return to the same venue for the regional meet on Feb. 11. Several runners are positioned to compete, and junior Jack Schwabish said the team believes it has the talent to win if athletes maintain their effort.
Some McLean runners have already qualified for the state meet. Senior Carter Lineweaver said the Highlanders hope their postseason run produces another championship banner, but the team will support its individual state qualifiers even if it does not advance together.