Jets prosper in cross country, track

Coach Drew Bell receives an ice bucket shower as James Clemens celebrated winning its 100th team trophy in cross country and track. (Contributed/James Clemens High School)

By Mike Easterling

For the Record

FAIRVIEW – James Clemens High School opened its door just over three years ago, but the Jets are already going to need a bigger trophy case.

The school’s cross-country and track teams are making sure of that.

James Clemens swept all four varsity and junior varsity cross-country divisions Saturday at the Fairview Invitational, a feat that notched the program’s 100th team trophy.

“I mentioned it to the team before the race,” said Jets coach Drew Bell, who recorded his 10,000th coaching win in the two sports. “I think this team would run through a wall for me or their teammates.”

James Clemens scored 46 points in varsity girls 5k to edge St. Bernard. Randolph was third.

In varsity boys, the Jets scored 45 to easily outdistance Saint John Paul II, which had 76. Randolph was third.

Freshman Liz Holcomb, fresh off a win in the Randolph Classic, again set the pace for the James Clemens girls team but finished second overall to make All-Elite in the 21-school field. The top 5 finishers in each division earn that distinction.

Joining her as All-Elite were teammates Rachel Seeley, Elise Sheldrick and Ella Engstrom.

Raleigh Schmidt ran 17:18 to finish sixth and lead the James Clemens boys. He was joined on All-Elite by Aaron Beane, Jase Bell and Korey Shively.

The Jets’ JV girls took the top five spots in winning 3,200-meter run led by Audrianna Blakely.

Patrick Neely was first to lead four James Clemens’ JV runners in the top five.