Cross Country Meet

O’Connell Cross Country has exceptional performance at opening championship meet

By Club Writer, Mairin Dziepak (Class of 2028)

Bishop O’Connell kicked off its championship season with the 2025 Virginia Showcase on October 18th, where talent and hard work met incredible opportunity. Although many cross-country courses have more technical and hilly terrain, a few are built for personal records, and the course at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is no exception. Heralded by many sources as “the fastest 5K in the nation,” the well-trimmed course has virtually no inclines. Thousands of athletes flock to the venue every year to run some fast times before wrapping up the season. Out of more than 40 teams from 16 states, the Bishop O’Connell team placed 19th in the combined girls and boys rankings. 

The ten boys and six girls arrived the evening before to get a feel for the route that would be congested with runners the next day. Although the Virginia Showcase is marked well, it is important to have a preview beforehand so that the course is somewhat familiar. Each team jogged two or three miles to scope out things like the location of the spectators and each mile marker. That night, the coaches generously paid for the athletes’ meals to fuel their races. The lights went off at a reasonable time to optimize rest, as there was a busy race day ahead. 

Conditions were ideal the morning of, with temperatures at a brisk 45 degrees around race time. Most kept their warm-up clothes on until right before to conserve body heat. Around 8:30 a.m., the O’Connell runners prepared for competition, both girls and boys competing in the Elite divisions at 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. The coaches advised them to trust in their training and push themselves, and the O’Connell Knights did not disappoint. 

The 5000-meter course began with a slight incline, looped through a wooded area, and concluded with a spacious finishing straight. The final 200 meters provided a gentle downhill slope and spectator-friendly views of the athletes. Lined with flags, the final chute made for an electrifying finish against the backdrop of the roaring crowds – just what the competitors needed after a tiresome few miles.  

Leading the O’Connell girls were freshmen Isabel McEvoy (21:15) and Madeline Dombrowski (22:18), who dropped minutes from their very first race as Knights. Both girls thoroughly enjoyed their first high school cross country season, and Dombrowski is eager to compete in winter track. Sophomore Lindsey Castevenns, who has consistently dipped under 23 minutes for the 5km distance, finished just two seconds behind Dombrowski. Lena Sullivan, a multisport athlete also in her sophomore year, closed in 22:47. Most of the girls’ team finished around the strong mark of 22 to 23 minutes. 

On the boys’ side, freshman Landon Brefczynski placed an impressive 19th in the Elite race, with junior Jayse Brefczynski close in pursuit. The brother duo has shown steady improvement so far, with podium places in multiple meets, and are looking to participate in winter and spring track. Their progression suggests several more medals individually and promising outcomes teamwise come next year. 

Senior Lance Jayme is looking forward to an eventful winter track season as he goes into his final year as a year-round varsity runner. Considering the race, Jayme noted, “The first mile was really fast, we went out in a 4:55 [mile],” after which the pace settled. Jayme’s hard work resulted in a time of 16:52, followed closely by sophomore Peter Fleenor in 16:55. On average, the O’Connell boys completed the Elite course in 17:30. 

Coach Connor commended their hard work, concluding, “Our boys ran well and finished 8th out of 44 teams in the Boys Elite race, and most of our girls [achieved] personal records in the Girls Elite race.”

All team members will be recognized for their hard work at the banquet held in O’Connell cafeteria on November 10th. Separate awards will be given to students on varsity and those who demonstrate spirit or qualities in specific areas, such as most improved or most valuable. 

The Virginia Showcase not only highlighted some incredible determination and ability from teammates, but also brought them together through experience and camaraderie. It was one of many outstanding meets for the cross country team, such as Catholic States, in which the O’Connell boys placed first. A select few runners will compete in the final championship meet of the year on Nov. 6.  It was a successful season for the student athletes, many of whom will participate in winter track and field.