Girls Cross Country

The girls cross country team had another great season! This cross country season was marked by growth, teamwork and consistent effort. Even without any dramatic moments, the team showed up day after day, building strength and confidence with every practice and meet. This resulted in 13 girls earning new personal records. Runners pushed themselves to improve their times, supported one another through tough workouts, and celebrated small victories that added up over the months. The season became a reminder that progress often comes from showing up, working hard and enjoying the miles together. Overall, it was a positive, rewarding season that set a strong foundation for the future. This season’s achievements are as follows:

Junior Tessa Mize ran the second fastest time by a junior in program history and currently ranks #3 on the All-Time Top 20. Senior Ava Shirley ran the second fastest time by a senior and currently ranks #5 on the All-Time Top 20. Senior Madelyn Kitchens ends her cross country career at Roncalli ranked #8 on the All-Time Top 20, and senior Marygrace Rykowski ends her cross country career at Roncalli ranked #15.  Freshman Josephine Clark starts her career as a Royal as #16 on the All-Time Top 20.  

Tessa Mize ends her Roncalli career with a number of recognitions: All-Circle City Conference, All-County, All-Sectional, All-Regional and she was a state qualifier for the third year in a row! Ava Shirley joins Tessa with All-County and All-Sectional honors. Freshmen Josephine Clark and Maggie Shirley each earned All-Freshmen County honors. The following Royals were named Academic All-State; seniors Ariana Corona, Madelyn Kitchens, Marygrace Rykowski, Ava Shirley and Izzie Vermillion and junior Tessa Mize. 

Thank you to our seniors for a fantastic four years…we will miss Ariana Corona, Anna Cromer, Claire Frank, Emma Gzibovskis, Madelyn Kitchens, Claire Meinerding, Kyleigh Minor, Penny Perkins, Ava Roell, Marygrace Rykowski, Ava Shirley and Izzie Vermillion.

End-of-season Roncalli awards went to the following Royals: 

MVP: Tessa Mize

Mental Attitude Award: Ava Roell

Leadership Award: Ava Shirley

Sportsmanship Award: Junior Mirabella Gaskill