VERMONT STATE MEET

Champlain Valley Sweeps Division 1 Titles Again

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

While it was a much different atmosphere for the 2020 Vermont High School State Cross Country Championships, with no spectators allowed due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was the quiet and dominant constant of the Champlain Valley girls team to depend on.

Saturday afternoon at Thetford Academy, the Redhawks cruised to their 12th straight Division I title and 17th in the last 18 years. Senior Alicia Veronneau led the way, winning her second straight individual title in 20:02.7 on the difficult course. Champlain Valley placed all five scorers in the top 13 for 38 points. 

The Champlain boys were also able to defend their Division 1 crown, scoring 49 points. Senior Caleb Nye’s third-place finish (17:06.5) led the way as the Redhawks put all five scorers in the top 15. Essex senior Brady Martisus won the race in 16:24. 

In Division 2 action, Harwood junior Ava Thurston continued to impress, recording the fastest time of the day for any female, running 19:40.1, claiming her third straight individual title. In the team battle, the U-32 girls held off Harwood’s bid for a three-peat, putting up 29 points with six runners in the top nine. 

The U-32 boys brought home their fourth consecutive state title with a perfect score of 15 points, claiming the top seven spots. Senior Jacob Miller-Arsenault led the way, winning the race in 17:18. 

Bellow Falls’ Abby Broadley successfully defended her individual title, winning the Division 3 race in 19:43.9. Bellow Falls placed three runners in the top 10 to defend its team championship.

The Craftsbury Academy boys claimed the program's first state title, winning the Division 3 crown with 15 points. Senior Cormac Leahy won the race in 17:16.5, while teammate Charlie Krebs was runner-up, finishing in 18:13.7. 

Team Champions

D1: Champlain Valley boys 49 points, Champlain Valley girls 38 points - RESULTS

D2: U-32 boys 15 points, U-32 girls 29 points - RESULTS

D3: Craftsbury Academy boys 15 points, Bellows Falls Union 27 points - RESULTS