The Randolph-Henry High School (R-H) boys and girls cross country teams entered the week with a combined record of 5-1 and have been making it clear with their performances that they are forces to be reckoned with on the trail.

“We’ve had a very nice start to the season,” R-H Head Coach Ian Woodley said in a Tuesday morning interview. “Our runners are putting up good times, and our team results have been excellent. We’re happy, but our team certainly isn’t satisfied. Everyone realizes that we still have a long season ahead of us, and we need to continue improving every day.”

Sharing his thoughts on why his teams have been so successful so far, Woodley said it all comes down to the work ethic and determination of the runners.

“Coach Adams and I can create a training routine,” Woodley said. “We can motivate them. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the runners. We have a great group of athletes who push themselves in practice every day and strive to be better.”

He highlighted a trio of runners that helped the boys team start the season 3-0.

“Nasheim Pettus, Travis Adams and Billy French have been excellent,” he said Tuesday. “Nasheim has finished first in every race so far. Travis and Billy have repeatedly finished in the top five.”

For the girls team that entered the week with a 2-1 record, “I have been very impressed with Sarah Grissom and Lindy Newcomb,” Woodley said. “They continue to be our best performers.”