Despite heavy rains soaking up much of the course last Wednesday, the Mathews High School cross country runners took advantage of the conditions and used their knowledge of the Beaverdam trails to win in convincing fashion over the visiting Essex Trojans and West Point Pointers.

Russell Reed won the individual race in 18:17. Not too far behind Reed was a pack of six Blue Devil harriers who amazed spectators with their times as well as their teamwork. Seth Diggs led the pack, finishing second and taking 1:20 off of his previous season best to cross the line in 18:57.

Diggs was closely followed by Kyle Slaughter (third, 18:58), John Miles (fourth, 18:58), Chris Barnhardt (fifth, 18:58), Jamie van Emmerik (sixth, 18:58) and Paul Crook (seventh, 18:58), who also ran a season best. Andrew Merz ran a personal best 19:45 to finish eighth, and Elisha Kane and Caleb Miller also ran season best times in the sloppy conditions.

The Lady Devils’ team also had a spectacular performance...