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Jefferson runners remain out front
There must be something in the water at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Or, perhaps the cafeteria staff is spiking the Salisbury steak with a magic running potion.Whatever the reason is, Jefferson's cross-country teams have become a dominant force in Northern Virginia.
The Colonials swept the top five spots in the boys race at the Liberty District meet at Burke Lake Park Thursday afternoon – spearheaded by senior Evan Heflin's top finish with a time of 15:32 – and claimed the team title with 15 points. It was their seventh straight district victory, a stretch that spans between the Concorde (four years) and Liberty (the last three) districts. Jefferson joined the Liberty in 2005.
The Jefferson girls won their division with 40 points, slightly ahead of Woodson (67) and Langley (70). It was their second district title in three years.
"We were going for that," said Heflin, referring to the lead pack of all Jefferson runners on the 5K course. "It wasn't really an all-out race. We want to save that for regionals next week. We just wanted a good team effort and win districts. We swept districts, so that was nice."
The top 15 boys and girls individual finishers qualified for the Northern Region meet, scheduled for next Thursday afternoon at Burke Lake Park. The top four teams also advanced.
On the girls side, Langley junior Lauren Shaw crossed the line in 18:22, two seconds ahead of Stone Bridge's Stephanie Paradis. Madison's Bridgid Byrne placed third (18:27).
During the boys race, two Jefferson runners were in the lead pack at the 2-mile mark – Heflin and Brian Landry – along with Nate Martins of Woodson. Behind them, two more Colonials were lurking.
When the group made its way to the homestretch and crossed over the railroad tracks, Heflin and Landry had pulled ahead of Martins. As the pair sprinted down the hill toward the finish line, Heflin showed a tremendous burst of speed and passed his teammate with about 30 yards left to take the win.
Heflin was asked if it felt awkward passing his running mate and friend.
"I wouldn't say it's awkward," he replied. "I knew it was gonna be me or him the entire way. And he went off the course a little bit, so that helped me out."
The win was especially nice for Heflin because last year at this time, he was battling a multitude of injuries. Ankle and hamstring problems haunted him all season, and he was not able to run in the district or region races. He placed 37th at the state meet.
"There were times when I thought he was gonna hang it up because he's an avid soccer player, too," Jefferson coach Matt Ryan said. "So he has other abilities, but he's just wrapped up in running. I am truly impressed. He and Brian, oddly enough, both had injuries and have done better jobs with those than any other kid I've had in 13 years at Jefferson."
In the girls race, Shaw kept herself with the leaders the entire way. With one mile left, she was grouped with Aaren Pastor of Woodson and one of Jefferson's talented runners. Even when the girls crossed over the railroad tracks, they were still close. It was not until they reached the crest of the hill – and began the fast descent down it – did Shaw kick it up another notch and take over the lead.
"My legs were really numb starting; it was pretty cold outside," Shaw said. "My goal was just to stay with the pack ... and at the 2-mile [mark], I didn't know if I was gonna win it. I just wanted to stay with the pack.
"I knew I was gonna kick at the end because that's what we've been working on during practice. Working on 100-meter sprints and things like that. So I knew I was gonna sprint, but I didn't know that I was gonna beat everyone because they're pretty good at sprints."
Langley coach Astrid Howell was impressed with her runner but not surprised. She said Shaw has been the squad's top runner since last season.
"She was seeded first coming into this meet and she knew there was no one who should have been able to beat her," Howell said. "She's been working on finishes and speed work for several weeks, so I think it's really paid off for her."
Both winning runners were asked about the cold, wet and rainy conditions, and how much – if at all – that affected the race.
Said Shaw: "I really like it when it's cold and rainy; I do a lot better than in the heat. It might have been a little too muddy in some places, but it was good."
Heflin said that Jefferson runners usually perform at a higher level than their opponents in less-than-ideal weather.
"Oh certainly it was [a factor], but we've always run better in the rain and mud," he said. "It was really kind of a blessing in disguise."
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