St. Bernard Girls claim State Cross Country Championship

The St. Bernard Girls Cross Country Team won the AHSAA 1A-2A State Championship held at the Oakville Indian Mounds near Moulton on November 8th.   Coached by William Calvert and Stephen Calvert; the girls narrowly defeated Westminster of Oak Mountain by a score of 48-54.   It was especially satisfying for the Lady Saints after finishing as state runners up in 2012 and 2013.  With the championship the girls completed an undefeated season winning 10 inviational meets in addition to sectional and state. 

Eighth grader Ivy Edge became SBP’s first ever individual cross country champion in leading the team to victory. Close behind her, were older sister, Jaden Edge in 4^th place , Leahrose  Mami in 5^th, Ayleana Mami in 16^th and  Katelyn Cowie in 24^th place. Other members of the championship team that ran in the state meet are Eva Barck, Adrian Smith, Liz Medina, Anna Faulk and Morgan Matz.

“These girls definitely deserve the championship.  They started training back in June at our summer camp. There work ethic is tremendous and their commitment to excellence is uncanny.  I am so proud of them and happy for St. Bernard that we could bring home this championship. It’s not often that one comes upon runners who have the confidence and drive of Ivy Edge, one of our youngest runners,” said Coach Calvert.  “Ivy has consistently stayed focused and level-headed.  She certainly has the mentality of a champion.  She’s very talented and will be one to watch for the next four years.” 

Ayleana Mami, the team’s only senior, started competing as a 7^th grader.  Throughout her tenure, Ayleana has been a leader in a program that has become one of the strongest in the state. She earned All-State honors five of her six years of competition. 

“This was the best season I’ve ever had.  I was able to contribute and our team was winning,” Mami said.  “Everyone was awesome!  This year we did exactly what was needed in order to accomplish the job we set out to do.  We have come close in past years.  This year we finally reached our goal.  For me personally, it’s a great way to end my cross country career.” 

Coach Calvert, a seasoned veteran of coaching cross country, was quick to point out that this was the first time in his coaching career that he had the pleasure of coaching a team all the way to the championship with a “perfect season” without any defeats. The coach commented,  “It’s really a unique experience and I feel blessed to share this with these fine young people. “