The South Christian Cross Country teams kicked off the 2026 season once again as hosts of the 6th annual Under the Lights Invite! This year, a record 114 high school teams traveled from around the state (and even from Illinois!) to participate in this epic event. Our teams competed well into the night and were able to enjoy the full effects of the 25+ light towers and other lights that illuminated the course. The favorable weather and perfect course conditions allowed for some incredible racing by athletes from all teams–including the second fastest time in the nation by Bobby Jazwinsky of Whitehall (14:36!) This event was an early opportunity for teams to see how they measured up as many of the races featured future conference, regional, and state match-ups. Sailor athletes showed grit and determination, with numerous athletes setting lifetime personal records during their first performances of the season! The South Christian boys team competed in the Nightfall Division against 20 other schools, including the top three ranked teams in division 2 in the state– and started their season with a respectable 9th place finish! The Sailors were led by senior Ben Verlin who opened his season with a lifetime PR of 16:16 to finish in 16th place among a stacked field of elite level competitors. Sophomore Hudson Kemper was next to cross the line for the Sailors, in 24th th place, running a life-time best of 16:35. Senior Josiah Rozema finished in 26th place, running a life-time best of 16: 39. Sophomores Nate Zondervan and Gage Roedvoets rounded off the Sailor’s score finishing in 76th and 155th places, respectively. Nate ran a personal best of 17:49. The Sailor boys showed that they will be a force to contend with this season! The Sailor women also competed in the Nightfall Division against 18 other schools, including the defending state Champions from Holland Christian. The lady Sailors came away with a well contended second place finish and demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level! Sophomore Lily VanEyk and Junior Tiffany DeMaagd worked together throughout the race and finished in the 11th and 12th positions respectively, improving significantly upon their first season times from last year. Sophomores Noelle Hulst, Isabelle Oostema and Hailey Moorman competed tenaciously, rounding off the Sailor’s score with 19th, 29th, and 46th places, respectively. Hailey ran a lifetime best of 20:47 while nearly the entire rest of the team improved upon their times in comparison with this meet last year, which bodes well for the team going forward. Full meet results can be found at https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/270848/info. The South Christian Cross Country teams open up the OK Gold Conference season on Wednesday, September, 9 at Wayland Union High School.