Sullivan Sets Course Record, Named Districts Top Female

George Mason High School senior Susanna Sullivan kicked off her post season in spectacular fashion, not only winning the girls' Bull Run District individual title by nearly a full minute, but setting a course record in the process.

Sullivan claimed the girls' crown in a time of 19:04, the fastest mark ever for a girl on the 5K cross country course in Washington, Va. Sullivan's time was 53 seconds faster than runner-up Sophia Holmes of Clarke County, who finished in 19:57.

Sullivan, named the district's Female Athlete of the Year, was joined on the All-Bull Run District team by fellow Mustangs Mollie Breen (seventh in a time of 21:24), Courtney Ready (ninth; 21:27) and Karina Robarge (13th, 22:13). All-district honors are awarded to those that finish in the top 15 individually.

The cumulative effort by the girls challenged team champion Clarke County, a dynastic program in cross country, but could not topple the reigning champs. Instead, the Mustangs settled for second place and a berth in the Region B Championships held Wednesday, Oct. 31 at Panorama Farms. The girls were joined there by their male counterparts, who likewise finished second to Clarke County.

Daniel Benn led the Mason boys with a sixth-place finish to secure All-District honors. Benn's time of 17:57 was 46 seconds behind race-winner Chris York of Clarke County. Other Mustangs to make the All-District team were Miles Butler (eighth; 18:10) and Louis Henninger (14th; 18:33).

Clarke quite literally ran away with the meet, boasting the top four boys to finish the race. As a team, the Mustangs finished 50 points back.

“Clarke is a strong team,” Mason Head Coach Julie Bravin said. “We were aiming for a strong second and we did just that. [Mason] ran strong and as a team. We're so proud of them.”

While the Region B meet was completed before publication of this edition, results were not available at press time. On Monday, Bravin expressed optimism regarding her team's chances to run well.

“We just hope to go into the meet being the best prepared we can be and give it everything we have,” she said. “If we do that, things should turn out well for us.”