JPII Cross Country captures first back-to-back state titles
The Boys Cross Country Team at St. John Paul II Catholic High School or JPII won the state championship for the second consecutive year. PHOTO / DENISE SCHOVEL
Huntsville, Madison, Madison County Record, News, Schools, Sports, Z - News Main
 By  GreggParker Published 
2:59 pm Thursday, November 19, 2020

JPII Cross Country captures first back-to-back state titles

HUNTSVILLE – The 5A Boys Cross Country Team at St. John Paul II Catholic High School or JPII captured the school’s first ever back-to-back state championships on Nov. 14.

The Falcons won with a team total of 61 points. Adam Gautreaux, who finished in fifth place, was captain for the team. Other top finishers for JPII were Brandon Cianfaglione, 7th; Joseph Faust, 14th; Jack Roberts, 19th; and Tom Custodio, 24th.

The JPII Falcons have been contenders for the title since 2015. They earned second place from 2015 through 2018 and nabbed the first championship last year.

“The boys ran exactly like we told them to. We told them to not worry about their individual times but instead just race,” Coach Stephen Boyer said about the team’s mindset. “Relax through first mile then turn the race into a two-mile race.”

“At the two-mile point, we were still behind UMS Wright but closing fast. Our boys knew we owned the third mile and ran confidently,” Boyer said.

Only 68 seconds separated JPII’s top five runners. “That was the difference. Coach Steve Zibas and I are really pleased with the hard work and discipline these runners have shown this year,” Boyer said.

“Adam Gautreaux and Brandon Cianfaglione capped off fantastic cross country careers, winning back-to-back state championships and each being named All State,” Boyer said. “JPII Junior Joseph Faust also earned All State and is excited about going for a ‘three-peat’ next year.”

JPII Girls Cross Country Team also had a strong showing at the state meet. Ella Zierdt took the top spot for the girls from JPII with a sixth-place finish.

The other notable finishes for the Falcons were Jessica Cianfaglione, 15th; Evelyn Detwiler, 36th; Valerie Wiegmann, 37th; Olivia Hutchins, 45th; and Averiel Brininger, 53rd. The girls tallied 107 points, which earned them a fourth-place finish.

Senior Ella Zierdt, in her first cross country season, also earned All State and recorded her school-record time. Jessica Cianfaglione also earned All State and will lead a team next season that only graduates two seniors.

For more information, visit jp2falcons.org.

Also on The Madison Record
Rocket City Marching Invitational set for Saturday, Sept. 20 at stadium
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
MADISON – Bob Jones High School Bands, in collaboration with title sponsor KODA Technologies, will present the third annual Rocket City Marching Invit...
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *