Randolph-Henry High School’s (R-H) varsity boys and girls cross country teams have logged wins during the 2018 regular season, showing potential for the postseason and for the future, respectively.

Like indoor and outdoor track, cross country has both team and individual levels. Right now R-H has a clear priority.

“It’s good to get wins here and there, but obviously we’re more focused on improving individually,” said Ian Woodley, head coach of R-H’s cross country teams.

He noted that he and his student-athletes particularly have the upcoming regional meet in mind.

Woodley did offer thoughts, however, on how team competition could play out in the competitive James River District.

“It’s challenging, but I think we can improve overall from where we went last year,” he said. “I do expect an improvement from the girls team. For the boys team, it’s wide open. I think any one of five teams can win it, including ourselves.”

Woodley said that at the regional level, the Randolph-Henry boys team has a chance — perhaps an outside chance — of making the top three and going to the state meet.

Leading the Statesmen boys this year is junior Travis Adams, who qualified for state competition last year, and senior Billy French, who has become the vocal leader of the team.

For R-H’s young girls team, Woodley expects his runners to gain important experience.

“This year has been a rebuilding year for the girls,” he said.

He noted that freshmen Olivia Nelson and Nipin Hennings are new to the sport and doing an excellent job.