The Runnin’ Statesmen traveled to Appomattox on Oct.29 for the much anticipated Courthouse Conference 37 Championship against Appomattox, Chatham, Dan River, Buckingham and Gretna. This meet would determine if R-H would continue further into the postseason.

The first race saw the two-time defending champion R-H battling to keep the title in Charlotte Courthouse. In what was the closest race of the year for the R-H girls team Chatham squeaked by the Lady Statesmen by one point to earn its first title. Statesman Adrianne Nelson won the race and repeated as Conference Runner of the Year. Joining her on the All-Conference Team were Megan Garrett, Alena Latysheva, Lindy Newcomb and Callie Tharpe.

The second race saw the R-H boys team battle for a second-place finish in a tiebreaker. Chris Nichols, Nasheim Pettus and Michael Nichols earned All-Conference honors and helped propel R-H back into regional competition.

“It was an exciting day to be a part of the Runnin’ Statesmen family,” commented cross-country coaches Jeff Williams and Dean Schwartz. The coaches went on to say that every runner gave it their all and earned their medals and trophies. The teams will now advance to the Region 2A West meet in Bristol on Thursday.