The DeMatha cross country team just recently wrapped up their 2024-2025 season. The team is coached by Mr. Cory Puffett ’10 and was led by a quartet of senior captains: Brendan Dougherty, Maxwell Ellison, William Jackson, and Brandon Smoot.
The team participated in six total meets in various locations such as River Hill High School and The Landon School. The team won the Mark Ferris Invitational at Landon in mid-September and ultimately placed fifth at the WCAC Championships. Two runners, junior Roman Zentek and senior Brandon Smoot made it to the VA Showcase because of their superb talent throughout the season.
Senior and first-year cross country runner Malachi Wilson said, “It wasn’t a victorious season nor was it one of our best, but it did show me a competitive sport can go beyond just competition but to companionship and commitment to your own game and others around you.” Being one of the leaders of the team, this shows the mentality that the cross country team has and contributed to the success that the team had.
Although the team didn’t get the results that they wanted, Coach Puffett and the returning members of the team look forward to building off of the momentum gained this year to push to a WCAC Championship for the 2025-2026 season.
