In the final home meet of the regular season, the Mathews High School boys and girls cross country teams defeated runners from Lancaster, Middlesex and Essex.

Last Wednesday’s meet at Beaverdam Park was the final home race for seven seniors, who were recognized by their teammates and fans—Kyle Slaughter, Elisha Kane, Jonah West, Keinan Triplett, Nancy Barnhardt, Louise Baynat and Carlyn Tillage.

“We’ve been on the team for five years now and the last race at home was bittersweet, but it was a great way to end our home racing as Blue Devil harriers,” said Barnhardt and Tillage, co-captains of the girls’ team.

The Lady Devils almost stole away a perfect score, winning with 19 points to Lancaster (57), Essex (60) and Middlesex, who forfeited because they did not have a complete team. The Blue Devil boys posted a marginal win of 31 points against Lancaster (36), Middlesex (78) and Essex (95).

“I was very proud of the effort from all of the runners, resulting in 22 personal records for the season and victories for both teams,” coach Drew Greve said.

Barnhardt, Kate van Emmerik, and Emily Brown once again delivered their triple threat to their opponents taking first, second, and third overall with times of 21:38, 22:12 and 23:15, respectively. Shortly behind were Ryann Smith (24:12), Sami Stroup (24:14), Logan Howlett (24:49) and Kristen Fauber (26:12). Baynat and Tillage also did well with times of 26:45 and 27:35, respectively.

Nick Brown led the charge for the boys’ team with a time of 18:50, taking third place overall in the meet. Also turning in good times were Slaughter (18:55), Tucker Blackwell (18:56), Justin Adams (19:30), Elisha Kane (19:38), Sam Jasinski (19:51) and Tommy Mayo (19:52). Triplett and West also had strong finishes with times of 22:17 and 22:30, respectively.

The Blue Devils faced Northumberland, Lancaster and West Point yesterday at Northumberland.