The McIntosh cross country teams hosted their banquet on Wednesday, November 20, in the school cafeteria. All individuals that contributed or were associated with the team’s success were honored- runners, coaches, parents, volunteers, athletic trainers and school personnel. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit catered for the event.

Following tradition at every banquet, the seniors received picture frames with their personal photo choice from the season and a team photo. Team members signed 20 frames with congratulatory or humorous notes for all 20 seniors. Senior gifts inside decorated bags were also presented to the senior runners.

Varsity letter and participation awards were given to the runners, along with special awards to one boy and one girl. Seniors Monica Jamison and Joey Buehler received the highest GHP award. Junior Taylor Snell and senior Joshua Mattingly won Most Valuable runners. Freshman Rachel Ward and sophomore Tyler Nigro won the award for Rookie of the Year. Freshman Caitlin Umila and senior Joey Buehler won the Most Improved Award. The Coaches Award went to senior Josh Reynolds and sophomore Alyssa LeClaire.

Heads of committees and the cross country booster club organizers received bouquets of flowers. Both coaches received cards and a gift, while the team gave Coach Carolan a monetary gift since he is not yet employed by the school system as a teacher. Coach Newton praised athletic trainer Dan McAdams as “the unsung hero of the cross country team.”

The team celebrated a season in which the boys team placed third at county, first at region, and twelfth at state while the girls team placed first at county, first at region and seventh at state. The first meeting for track & field will take place next Tuesday, December 10, after school in the library. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.