Columbus North High School

September 14, 2025 - The boys and girls cross country teams traveled to Huntsville, Alabama to compete in the prestigious Southern Showcase against many of the top programs throughout the southern United States. The Bull Dogs showed that they more than fit in as the boys took first place in the championship division, and the girls claimed fourth. Jace Works finished ninth overall in the championship race, with Denton Sluder finishing just behind in tenth place. Joseph Day was 19th, Rohan Norris 28th, Justin Reckers 38th, and Graham Pumphrey 60th in the 283-person race. In the girls division, Kodi Smith finished 33rd, Tristan Works 36th, Adira Sluder 45th, Emma Lowther 48th, and Kyle Brinksneader 84th among the 197 racers. The Bull Dogs entered other divisions with the rest of their squad and were just as successful. The boys won the Blue race with two individuals finishing in the top ten, were fourth in the Crimson race with three top-20 finishers, and 4th in the Gray race, again with three finishers in the top 20. The girls place first in the Crimson race, finishing with six of the top ten places. Head Coach Rick Sluder referred to the Bull Dogs’ performance as simply, “An amazing day!” Congratulations to the cross country teams on this outstanding performance on a national stage. Photo: The Bull Dogs cross country teams came back from Huntsville, Alabama with lots of hardware, winning two divisions and finishing in the top four in every race.