Difficult, consistent, and persistent — this is how members of the N.C. School of Science and Math-Morganton cross-country team described the sport.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, NCSSM-Morganton once again made history by sending its first women’s team to the state competition and its second male athlete to the competition.
In past articles, I have written about the importance of acknowledging the various sides of NCSSM such as sports, cultural events, religious organizations, humanities, and so much more. In my eyes, NCSSM is much more than science and mathematics, and the cross-country team proves just that.
I recently spoke with three students on the team this year: Jack Lyons, Willa Rupp, and Max Vaughan.
MAX VAUGHAN
Max first picked up cross country in the eighth grade after his father introduced him to mountain biking, a sport that requires endurance, something he found particularly interesting about running.
“I loved the nature of the sport as a daily grind and an absolute progression that you’re experiencing,” he said.
Max was the second individual to attend state championships, following Class of 2024 graduate Everett Tucker. He placed 10th at the state competition held at the Ivey Redmon Complex in Kernersville.
Max is a native of Asheville and experienced the devastation that Hurricane Helene brought to the western part of our state. He told me about his experience at States and described being full of gratitude, especially after Helene.
As a rising senior and the next co-captain of the team, he wants to strengthen the program at NCSSM-Morganton. “There could be an insane amount of progress, and my main goal is to be at the state championship with the team,” he said.
JACK LYONS
Jack started cross country in his freshman year of high school at Ardrey Kell. Having no prior experience, he quickly fell in love with the team aspect of the sport.
While preferring trail running over running on a road for miles he said, “The aspect of a team is a great thing mentally…and the team aspect of it is everything for me.”
Jack spoke about being part of the foundational period of the sport at NCSSM-Morganton. He talked about those members of the team who were part of the first class of NCSSM-Morganton and the legacy they left behind such as Lucas Nagel and Everett Tucker, both graduates and active members of the cross country team during their time here.
When I asked Jack what legacy he would like to leave behind when he graduates, he spoke about his love of running and wanting to plant that in people’s lives. “I want to leave a legacy of the lifestyle of running, by enjoying physical labor with a team, striving to be a better person, enjoying nature, and using your body,” he said.
WILLA RUPP
Willa was an avid dancer before coming to NCSSM-Morganton, and when she arrived here, she sought to be physically active. One way she went about this was by picking up cross country.
She told me that, “What you put into cross country is what you get out.”
For her, it has also become a good way to relax and take a break from the intense nature of NCSSM.
Willa was part of the girls’ team that went to states and reflected on the experience through the lens of a Boone native who saw the devastation of Helene in Western North Carolina.
“After Helene, I wondered if it (cross country regionals and states) was going to happen, especially for our part of the state. We were unsure about being able to run at regionals and states, so I’m just really thankful for that.”
She was able to cheer on her fellow Lady Dragons, and Max, as they crossed the finish line at their respective tournaments. Willa spoke about how hard the women’s team worked this year and hopes that they continue to grow next year under Stella Friedman, the junior co-captain.
I know many of them personally, and I can say that they are all very busy and hardworking students.
Max is a member of Model UN, a Junior Senator in our student government, and an active member of the Teen Democrats, all while managing his schoolwork and being a star athlete.
Jack is part of the swim team, serves as co-president of the Financial Literacy Club, and is a teaching assistant.
Willa is also a part of the swim team and serves as a student ambassador for the school.
They have all put in the work and have been recognized for their dedication to both their school and their sport.
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