In a remarkable display of talent and determination, the middle school cross-country team of St. Anne-Pacelli clinched the coveted "Shoe" for the second consecutive year at the 2023 St. Anne-Pacelli Invitational. This special award is presented to the team with the most combined points between the boys and girls, and the Vikings proved their mettle by securing a total of 66 points.

Coach Maggie Horton, a guiding force behind the team's success, led the Vikings to claim the prestigious Shoe for the third time in the past four years. The resilience and spirit of the St. Anne-Pacelli XC Team were on full display throughout the invitational.

**Girls Team Dominance**

The girls' team left no room for doubt about their dominance. They clinched the first-place position with an impressive total of 31 points. The top-notch performance of the girls secured the much-coveted Shoe.

Pacelli's individual results showcased exceptional talent and determination:

- Cate Pryor finished a strong second overall, completing the course in a remarkable 13 minutes and 41 seconds.
- Emma Kate Turner followed closely, securing a third-place finish with a time of 13 minutes and 45 seconds.
- Gracie Davenport displayed her skills with a seventh-place finish, crossing the line in 14 minutes and 15 seconds.
- Vivian Horton earned an eighth-place finish, clocking in at 14 minutes and 38 seconds.
- Eva Shaw secured the eleventh spot, with a time of 15 minutes and 43 seconds.
- Mariska Raza finished fourteenth, completing the race in 16 minutes and 10 seconds.
- Alexia Gonzalez clinched the eighteenth position with a time of 16 minutes and 18 seconds.

**Boys Team Triumph**

The boys' team matched the girls' success, securing a dominant first-place finish with 35 points. Their remarkable performance added vital points to help clinch the Shoe for St. Anne-Pacelli.

Outstanding individual results for the boys included:

- Izac Gonzalez achieved a stellar third-place finish, conquering the course in a swift 12 minutes and 5 seconds.
- Bridger Arceneaux secured fifth place with a time of 12 minutes and 35 seconds.
- Gordan Davenport wasn't far behind, claiming sixth place with a time of 12 minutes and 37 seconds.
- Parker Kaup displayed his strength and finished ninth with a time of 13 minutes and 28 seconds.
- Harper Singleton clinched the twelfth position, crossing the line in 13 minutes and 57 seconds.
- Eli Shaw wasn't far behind, securing thirteenth place with a time of 13 minutes and 59 seconds.
- Chip Roberson showcased his skills, finishing eighteenth with a time of 14 minutes and 25 seconds.

The St. Anne-Pacelli XC Team's outstanding performance in the 2023 St. Anne-Pacelli Invitational underscores their dedication, hard work, and unwavering team spirit. Congratulations to both the girls and boys teams for bringing home the Shoe and for continuing the tradition of excellence in middle school cross-country. With Coach Maggie Horton's guidance, this victory serves as a testament to their continued success on the XC circuit.