BARCINAS, FULKERSON-SMITH WIN XC MEET

By Shania Bulala

After a week off due to weather cancellations, cross country runners took on the hilly, jungle-covered trails of Two Lover’s Point Monday afternoon in the Interscholastic Sports Association (ISA) Cross Country League. The meet included the Academy Cougars, Father Duenas Friars, Okkodo Bulldogs, Harvest Eagles, St. John’s Knights, George Washington Geckos, and the Notre Dame Royals.

The Geckos’ Gwenizah Barcinas and Knights’ Jackson Fulkerson-Smith delivered standout performances, each earning first-place finishes in their respective races.

Barcinas Dominates New Terrain
In the female race, Barcinas made a remarkable debut for her first time racing on the challenging Harmon course. Dominating from start to finish, she crossed the finish line with a winning time of 22:22, very well ahead of her competitors. “Since this was my first time racing here, I had to take the time to walk through the course over the weekend to familiarize myself,” said Barcinas. Yet, despite the unfamiliar terrain, Barcinas showed incredible confidence, proving that she was well-prepared for the competition.

“I left it all on this course. I knew that there were a lot of hills and that it was just going to be more difficult. I just had to keep reminding myself to keep pushing,” Barcinas added.
Barcinas continues to dominate competition, as she’s claimed first place for the last three meets.

Fulkerson-Smith Sets Personal Best
In the boys race, Fulkerson-Smith, a sophomore from St. John’s, delivered an outstanding performance, breaking 18 minutes for the first time and finishing with a personal best of 17:36. As soon as the starting gun went off, Fulkerson-Smith took off and did not hold back. He managed to break away from the pack early on and maintain a comfortable lead throughout the entirety of the race.

“Coming into this race, my strategy was to go out fast for the first mile and then hold that pace for the last two miles. Moving forward, my goal is to shave that time down and continue doing what I love – running,” said Fulkerson-Smith.

His victory not only highlights his potential but also positions him as a strong contender for the remainder of the season.

Top 5 Female Finishers
Gwenizah Barcinas (GW): 22:22
Elizabeth Higley (SJS): 24:00
Sujin Oh (SJS)- 25:13
Clara Kim (SJS)- 25:26
Olivia Conroy (SJS): 25:55

Top 5 Male Finishers
Jackson Fulkerson-Smith (SJS): 17:36
Jordan Balicha (OHS): 19:05
Doniefer Pascua (OHS): 19:08
Elijah Dixon (HCA) -19:10
Brayden Butler (HCA): 19:53

TEAM RESULTS

Female
St. John’s: 28 points
Harvest: 66 points
GW: 78 points
Okkodo: 90 points
Academy: 115 points
Notre Dame: 117 points
Male
Okkodo: 33 points
Harvest: 47 points
St. John’s: 58 Points
FD: 116 Points
GW: 127 Points
Notre Dame: 161 Points

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