The James River District (JRD) felt the impact of the Buckingham County High School varsity cross country program again this year in a big way. The Knights varsity boys cross country team repeated as the district champions during the championship meet held Monday, Oct. 28, at Leakes Mill Park in Goochland. The Lady Knights varsity squad finished as the district girls runner-up.

The Buckingham boys team earned its second straight district title with a team score of 48.

“They are a great group of young men with great work ethics,” Buckingham Cross Country Head Coach Kish Heslip said. “I was super proud, and they indeed earned it!”

She explained what helped give the Knights the edge over the rest of the competition the last two years.

“They are all very smart and self-disciplined and driven,” she said. “Integrity is formed when no one is watching. These young men push themselves and each other to do their best, not only in meets but in practice.”

Knights making the all-district first team included seniors Tyler Moore, Dalton Stuple and Ian Martin and junior Nikolus Eldridge.

Heslip was also named James River District Coach of the Year for cross country for the second year in a row.

Placing second behind the Buckingham boys team was Prince Edward County High School with a team score of 63. Goochland High School came in third with an 87, Nottoway High School was fourth with a 144, and Bluestone High School was fifth with a 179.

Winning the district championship on the girls’ side was Goochland with a team score of 33. The Lady Knights placed second with a score of 52, the Lady Eagles were third with a 62, Cumberland County High School was third with a 107, Amelia County High School was fourth with a 140, and Nottoway was fifth with a 157.

Lady Knights making the all-district first team were sophomores Ressa Smith and Alana Ballowe, junior Sarah Perry and freshman Hayden Talbott.