By Rebecca Hannant
Holderness Academy’s year seven boys’ cross-country team are celebrating after being confirmed as East Riding champions.
The team won by having the lowest collective score out of all the 17 schools who entered the contest at Cottingham High School on Tuesday, October 24.
Luke Moulds, head of PE, introduced cross-country running as part of the PE curriculum, with the team of year seven boys all qualifying to take part in the championships.
Mr Moulds said: “It is part of the curriculum in PE lessons, and these lads all qualified because we timed them in the lessons.”
Holderness Academy student Charlie D won the race, notching up 50 points.
Jack H came in 23rd place, Xander D followed, coming in 25th, then George S in 28th. Roman came in 40th, meanwhile Sam S came in 49th.
Mr Moulds added: “They finished the race – Charlie came up first and the rest of them flooded in quite quickly too. It was a huge team effort.
“Not only did Charlie win, but he also won very well. This was down to all his hard work and completing the race, which is the most important thing.”
Holderness Academy head teacher Neal Holder said: “Everyone on the team finished in the top half, which is a major achievement – especially with the conditions, because the conditions slow people down.”
Mr Moulds said: “They have done amazingly well to qualify to represent the academy. We said to them on the day of the race that the most important thing they could do is try their best.”
On January 30, the team will compete in the next round, which will take place in Grimsby. The school also has students in other years who have qualified for the race. In total, 15 students will compete in the countywide competition.
A school spokeswoman said: “Huge congratulations to all 42 runners who gave it absolutely everything for Holderness Academy at the East Riding Cross Country Championships.
“All the students should be very proud of their efforts in the muddy and rainy cross-country conditions.”
Other notable results included Demi L, who finished third in the year eight/nine girls’ race, with both Lana B and Evie N finishing 13th in their respective races to qualify for the next round.