The dynasty continues for the Johnston Girls Cross Country team. The Dragons win their 5th team title since 2016 and end Dubuque Hempstead’s streak of back to back championships. The Johnston girls have not placed lower than 4th since 2016 and have finished on the podium every season other than 2021.
The Dragons were led by senior Olivia Verde, who will go down as one of the most decorated runners in school history. Verde finished as the state runner-up for the second consecutive season, and has placed inside the top ten at the state meet all four years of her high school career.
Although Johnston will lose Verde next season, the Dragons will be title contenders for years to come. Five of Johnston’s seven runners on Friday were underclassmen, three freshmen and two sophomores. Johnston’s dynasty shows no signs of slowing down and the Dragons will most likely be team title favorites going into next season.
Alyx Woodley, Grace Beasley, Ele Wharton, Audrey Dummermuth, Payton Crabb, and Marissa Pewe are all names to become familiar with. All six placed inside the top 51 at the state cross country meet, and all six will be back running in the Johnston uniform next season. The Dragons will have no shortage of weapons to fill Verde’s role and have great team depth at the JV and 9/10 levels.
Johnston Girls Cross Country is here to stay.