(GLENDALE, Ariz.) The heat did not relent for Gilbert Christian cross country, or anyone else at the Glendale Showcase, for that matter, as athletes from all over Arizona arrived to compete on Saturday morning. The packed course, the dusty terrain, and the blazing hot sun, however, did not prevent the determined and gritty GCHS runners from progress, as several Knights set new personal records on the day. 

Senior Addison Bisceglie was the top-finisher for Gilbert Christian at the meet, utilizing strategy to sit on the state leader throughout the 5k race, before outkicking her in the homestretch to claim second-place overall.

"This team is so special because of how close we are," Bisceglie said. "I think it's easy to say 'we are a family' but this team truly is one. We do everything together and that makes it easier to race with each other. I know that I would go to battle for each of these girls several times over. Both of our teams are very focused on our season verse, Philippians 4:12, and we want people to know that we are dedicated to glorifying God in the hills and in the valleys. We are looking to Him when we perform well, and also when things get hard."

Breaking the 18-minute barrier for the first time was junior captain Chaucer Tutty, who ran a 17:49 despite the less-than-ideal racing conditions. Tutty now sits at 30th in the section for the Knights. 

Sophomore Holden Lang also excelled for GCHS on the Glendale Heroes Park course, setting a new personal best with his 18:34 finish. 

Crossing the line together at 19:33 were Vaughn Sees (PR) and Owen Finkbeiner, who have both shown great improvement over the season. 

In the boys' freshman race, the Knights were represented by Jacob Shields, who medaled with his PR of 20:32, and Caleb Katzorke who logged a 22:27.

Sophomore Bradley Craven was another standout on the day, finishing in his fastest time of the year (23:32).

On the girls' side, sophomore Kodi Bell joined Bisceglie to pick up a medal in the top-45 for the Knights. 

Ella Pittenturf, who continues to show tremendous progress with new personal records every week, ran a 27:34, while Brie Mackey also collected another personal best (31:25). 

"This was a hot and dusty day for everyone, but we just keep getting better," Head Coach Amy Ford said. "I'm excited for fall break. These kids wake up at 5am every morning for practice before school. Now with the school break they can sleep in a bit more, although we're still running at 6:30am, and practice active recovery to be ready for our championship season. They have worked hard and now it's time to taper and run our best."

The cross country team has amassed a number of school records in 2024. The records are top-20 all-time fastest 5ks. 

Boys:

Asa Jones is 3rd fastest with the 17:04.

Chaucer Tutty is 7th fastest with 17:49.

Holden Lang is 15th fastest with 18:34.

Girls: 

Addison Bisceglie is 3rd fastest with her 18:49.

Kodi Bell is 5th fastest 2023's 19:50.

Madyn Allan is 11th fastest with 21:36.

Alexa Swearingen is 18th fastest with 23:06.

Anniston Ervin is 19th fastest with 23:30.

The team is back in competition on October 11th for the Epic Tourneys XC Invite, racing on what will be the 2024 sectional's course (Crossroads Park).

-GO KNIGHTS-