Girl’s cross country runs to new lengths

Running up the first of two large hills on the course, senior Anjali Kidambi sets a strong pace. She ran a state qualifying time of 20:01.9, placing 10th overall and medaling.

The girl’s cross country team had a successful season, winning more dual meets than they had in previous years and placing high at very competitive meets like Gabriel Richard, where they took third. 

Senior Abigail German keeps pace in the first mile, fending off competitors and leading the pack.

Some team members attribute it to their team chemistry.

“The team has bonded a lot and we have a little family where we always have each other’s back, like bringing shorts for team members when they forget shorts for running or driving people home from practice,” junior Rose Pebbles said. 

Senior Tessa Long said the team went to football games together, went out to eat after getting back from meets and had team dinners throughout the season. In the summer, they would play games after practices as part of Fun Fridays. 

“We all braid our hair or each other’s before our races, as well as occasionally Hannah, Mya, and Cara would rap before the start of our races,” senior Abby German said. 

German said this led to the team being a more cohesive unit and has allowed them to become a lot closer. 

The Wildcats hoped their unity would result in a top 3 finish at the Region 7 meet. However, the team placed 5th, with individual qualifying times from seniors Abigail German and Anjali Kidambi. 

Junior Joanna Philip strides across rough terrain halfway through the second mile. The team raced at Kensington Metropark in the Region 7 race. The team placed fifth overall, with Philip racing a 21:26.3 and placing 34th overall.

“I’m really proud of the team for being so close to making it to states and working so hard. Even though we didn’t make it, we still are willing to work hard next year to achieve our dreams,” Pebbles said. 

At the Division 1 Lower Penisula State Meet, Kidambi raced a 19:35.51 and German a 19:41.98, placing 70 and 77 respectively.

“I have mixed emotions about States,” Kidambi said. “It was the hardest race I’ve ran this season and I felt small. At the same time, I am very proud of Abby, Nate, Griffin, and myself because we got to represent Novi on the big stage.”

German closed her season by racing at the Michigan Meet of Champions, representing Team Playmakers, while the rest of the team finished up at the Region 7 meet and the Post a PR Classic. Kidambi and German both ran PRs, 18:26 and 19:01 at the Michigan Meet of Champions. 

Kidambi ran the 5th fastest time at the Michigan Meet of Champions, meaning she has the opportunity to represent Michigan at the Midwest Meet of Champions in Ohio on Nov. 19.