On Saturday, October 4th, the Men’s and Women’s cross country teams took on the 2025 Great American XC Festival, with both groups delivering outstanding performances. However, for Junior Naomi Greengrass and Senior Mohammed Mohammed, this race meant more.
Both athletes turned the course into their stage, redefining what it means to run in navy and green. Both runners broke their own school records they previously set for the 5k, Greengrass surpassing 18:28.1, and Mohammed exceeding 15:30.0.
For Greengrass, the record-breaking run was more than a race–it was a culmination of years of quiet dedication. Naomi is notorious for setting incredibly impressive school records, during both the XC and track season. Clocking in at 18:28.1, Greengrass not only broke her previous 5k record, but she did so by 22 seconds and an effortless stride.
“Breaking my record obviously felt really good. I broke the record last year at my last race in cross country at Nike Cross regionals. That was probably my breakout race for that year, and it really ended the season on a high note. I’m glad that I beat the record early in the season and before the championship because it sets up a confidence booster for not only me, but the rest of our team. It felt really nice to know that I not only helped myself get a good record but also helped set up the rest of my team to get a PR,” says Greengrass.
Not long after, the boys varsity race brought its own history making moment. Mohammed stormed through the final stretch to set a new school record of 15:30, topping the previous mark. Known for his steady composure and strategic racing, his performance truly reflected his passion, and the precision that lies in it.
These achievements have put the team at a great position in the season, and have inspired many other goals for the team.
“We’re hoping to win states this year, because we’re ranked 7th but the first three teams are all pretty close within points with each other. Individually, I’m hoping to be able to get into the championship race of running lane, which is December 6th. It’s a national meet and I’m really hoping I’ll be able to achieve that and reach my goal,” stated Greengrass.
Both runners were praised for their leadership and consistently throughout the season, with their success a result of persistence, teamwork, and belief. Both runners have inspired their teammates to chase even higher goals.
In a sport defined by seconds, Naomi Greengrass and Mohammed Mohammed proved that moments of greatness can echo far longer than the sight of the finish line.
