The Somerville High School Boys and Girls Cross Country teams traveled to the military base at Fort Devens last Saturday, to compete in the Fort Devens XC Invitational Challenge.

A split divisional race format that had three different challenging race configurations, the Somerville Highlanders placed 5th in the highly competitive field of over 25 teams.

Individual honors were bestowed to the top 25 in each race, and Highlanders runners garnered nine of these coveted medal slots, a very impressive achievement.

The team was led by Junior Sam Buckley and Sophomore Atticus Kaye, who battled to secure 18th and 20th place, respectively, in the premiere Open race.

The 4K race saw senior Calvin Wicks run his best. After briefly flirting with the lead at the mile mark, he finished in 8th place, with rising Sophomore talent Zach Fellinger in 9th.

The intitial 3K race had Rowan Ferguson and Evan Zraket run the best race of their young careers, slotting in at 20th and 24th.

 The Lady Highlanders were equally as impressive, with Freshman phenom Charlotte Johnson clocking in at 6th place, and Anna Siebler there at 13^th. Senior Rio Hunter Black finished in 21st in the Girls 4K race.  

 “It’s these kinds of meets that bring out the best in teams, and it’s heartening to see these kids so dedicated and focused. Both teams are well positioned for the second half of GBL competition, and beyond,” said Head Coach Sean Fitzgerald.