The Mathews cross country team concluded its home schedule by sending its seniors out in style with a decisive win over Northumberland last Wednesday at Beaverdam Park.

The senior Blue Devil boys have experienced great success on their home course and defended their turf one last time to compile a 25-0 home record throughout their high school careers.

Nine Blue Devils ran season bests in what was a spectacular effort from top to bottom. Russell Reed and Jamie van Emmerik paced the Devils to victory, taking first and second in 17:39 and 17:41 respectively. Chris Barnhardt ran a season best 17:58 to place third and join van Emmerik and Reed below the 18-minute mark.

John Miles (18:08) and Kyle Slaughter (18:15) ran season bests to secure the sweep, and Seth Diggs (18:52) and Paul Crook (19:03) rounded out the top seven for the Blue Devils. Elisha Kane (19:53), Nick Brown (20:59), Sam Spadaccini (21:24), and Ian Smith (21:28) also ran season bests in the victory.

The Lady Devils squad had an equally successful outing, claiming a forfeit victory and recording 11 season bests in the effort. Rachel Corrigan led a pack of Lady Devils who all tied for the new Single A course record. Emily Brown and Nancy Barnhardt joined Corrigan in the record books by finishing in 21:35. Kate van Emmerik (23:29) and Katie Phillips (23:56) ran personal bests to conclude the scoring for the Lady Devils. Lindsey Brown placed seventh in 24:47 and Stephanie Jeffers placed eighth in a personal best 25:09 to round out the varsity squad.

Leeann Southworth (25:37), Mallory Hurst (25:38), Carlyn Tillage (27:06), Kristen Fauber (27:31), and Rachel Byrd (27:37) also ran season bests.

The Devils traveled to Middlesex yesterday to race the Chargers and Washington & Lee Eagles, and travel to King William next Wednesday to conclude the regular season.