Brookings-Harbor students, coach highlight first-place cross-country finish at district meet

Carissa Horn, head coach of the Brookings-Harbor cross-country team, told the school board the girls’ squad won the district championship by two points and celebrated individual progress across the season.

"I don't ask for them to win. I just ask for improvement," Horn said, describing how multiple runners set personal records and the squad’s steady improvement under her five years coaching. Horn said the program had about 17 runners this year, roughly 11 girls, and that the boys did not field enough runners to earn a team score.

Layla Newman, introduced by Horn as the district individual champion, described the season’s excitement and the team’s close bond. "It was so fun...the team really bonded this season," Newman said. Ella Horn, an eighth-grader, said cross-country taught perseverance: "You have to really push yourself and continue to work very hard." Judson Jones and Nicholas Roberts also spoke about team camaraderie and steady improvement.

Horn explained cross-country scoring to the board, noting teams need five finishers to earn a team score; Brookings-Harbor’s girls pulled together enough top placings to finish first despite larger competing teams. The coach also said several athletes recorded personal-best races over the season’s 3,000-meter course.

Board members thanked the coach and students for representing Brookings and Azalea Middle School, encouraged community attendance at upcoming indoor sports, and closed the student spotlight by congratulating the team.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17.