On Saturday, at the Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville, Seaforth junior Jack Anstrom successfully defended his title as the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2A boys cross country state champion.

Anstrom’s time of 16:07.91 secured first place in the race, beating out N.C. Science & Math’s Rafferty Koontz who finished in second place with a time of 16:33.28.

Anstrom won his first state title last season at Seaforth, posting a time of 16:15.43. It was the second year of competition for Seaforth, which opened in the fall of 2021.

“I am aware that I have the ability to start at the beginning… I did not intend to exhaust myself, just simply go out, run, and enjoy,” stated Anstrom. He also mentioned that the varying elevations on the route add to the challenge.

Leo Murray from Brevard took third place in the individual standings, falling short of Koontz by only 0.18 seconds. Murray’s time of 16:33.46 contributed to Brevard’s team victory.

Brevard had two additional runners in the top ten, with Avan Hinkle coming in seventh place with a time of 16:55.70, and Keaton Campbell finishing ninth with a time of 17:05.85.

Brevard has now claimed the team championship for the second time in the past three years, with the previous victory occurring in 2021.

Owen came in third place, with Seaforth taking second in the overall team rankings.

The results for the 2023 NCHSAA 2A Boys Cross Country Individual race are in.

1. Jack Anstrom (Seaforth) – 16:07.91

2. Rafferty Koontz (N.C. Science & Math) – 16:33.28

3. Leo Murray (Brevard) – 16:33.46

Carson Wells of West Stanly finished with a time of 16 minutes and 39.83 seconds.

5. Will Cuicchi (Seaforth) – 16:40.38

Zeb Mathis of West Stokes finished the race in 16 minutes and 45.39 seconds.

Avan Hinkle, from Brevard, finished in 16 minutes and 55.70 seconds.

8. Jeremiah Jones (Nash Central) – 17:01.79

9. Keaton Campbell (Brevard) – 17:05.85

Henry McFall from Seaforth finished the race with a time of 17 minutes and 8.60 seconds.

11. Ignacio Morales from Surry Central completed the race in 17 minutes and 8.68 seconds.

12. Wyatt Hanson (Research Triangle) – 17:15.45

Aaron Brown from Nash Central completed the race with a time of 17 minutes and 17 seconds.

Zach Hazelwood from Wheatmore finished the race with a time of 17 minutes and 19.96 seconds.

15. Damon Cook (Shelby) – 17:20.99

The results for the 2023 NCHSAA 2A Boys Cross Country Team are in.

1. Brevard – 45

2. Seaforth – 103

3. Owen – 125

4. Franklin Academy – 143

5. Lincoln Charter – 155

6. South Lenoir – 163

7. N.C. Science & Math – 195

8. West Stokes – 198

9. Research Triangle – 214

10. West Stanly – 275

Source: highschoolot.com