By Jeffrey Williams

Special to the Gazette

The Randolph-Henry High School boys cross country team kept its season alive with its performance at the Quad Rivers Conference 34 Championships at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County on Oct. 26.

It was truly “now or never time” for the Runnin’ Statesmen — on both the boys and girls sides — as only the top four teams and top 15 individuals would earn the right to move on to the Region 2A East Championships.

The boys race was exciting and action-packed from the start. Randolph-Henry placed a solid third. Nasheim Pettus, placing fourth, Chris Nichols, placing 12th, and Michael Nichols, placing 13th, earned All-Conference honors. John Walker, Billy French, John Wendelin and Jacob Barker round out the R-H team.

The Randolph-Henry girls team did not fare as well. Even though their times were significantly faster than the previous race, the girls couldn’t crack the top four and saw their season end.

In taking 14th, Lindy Newcomb qualified individually for the regional race and earned All-Conference honors.

“Congratulations to all the Runnin’ Statesmen,” R-H Coach Jeffrey Williams said. “You have been wonderful ambassadors for Charlotte County Public Schools and Randolph-Henry (High School). Good luck to the runners who will be competing at Panorama Farms.”

The Region 2A East Championships will take place at 3 and 4 p.m. in Earlysville at Panorama Farms on Wednesday.