Stanley-Boyd freshman John Smit is already making his mark on the cross-country course this season. Representing Stanley-Boyd High School, Smit opened the year with a standout performance, winning the inaugural Indee Invite Cross Country race for the high school boys and setting the initial course record with a time of 18:44. His nearest competitor finished 50 seconds behind him, and Smit’s finish helped lead the Orioles to a first-place team finish at the meet.
“John is a freshman on the Orioles team but won several races last year as an eighth grader and is a hopeful for making the Cloverbelt’s All-Conference team this season,” Head Cross Country Coach Nick Mahr said.
Smit shared that he started his cross-country journey started early in middle school. “I started cross country in 6th grade,” he said. “My favorite part of cross country is the competition.”
Outside of running, Smit enjoys the classroom too. “My favorite subject in school is probably history in general,” he said.
As the season continues, Smit is setting his sights on one event in particular. “I am most looking forward to this cross-country season is the Night Race in Marshfield,” he said.
With his early success and love of competition, Smit is poised to be a key contributor for Stanley-Boyd this fall.
