On the evening of Saturday, August 31st, I had the privilege of capturing an intense and memorable cross-country meet at Cabell Midland High School for Huntington Middle School. Despite the dreary, stormy weather that caused delays due to lightning and thunder, the athletes’ spirits remained undeterred. As the meet stretched into the night, the worsening weather created a challenging yet exhilarating atmosphere.

Though the conditions were far from ideal, with mud covering nearly every inch of the course, the athletes of Huntington Middle School delivered outstanding performances. Their smiles shone brightly through the rain and mud, transforming what could have been a miserable evening into an unforgettable event. The grit and determination displayed by these young athletes made this meet a true testament to their resilience and love for the sport.