On August 30th, senior Liam Powers carved his name into school history, shattering the boys’ cross country record with a stellar performance. Competing at the Hamilton County Championship Meet, Powers crossed the finish line in 15:06 surpassing the previous time of 15:08 set in 2017 by Gabe Fendel and planting his legacy as one of the program’s all-time legends.
Powers, who has been a steady contributor throughout his four years on the team, had circled this season as his opportunity to leave a lasting mark. Known for his tireless work ethic and competitive spirit, he entered the race focused but calm. When he turned into the final stretch, it was clear history was about to be rewritten.
“Once it sank in, it felt really special, especially knowing the caliber of the runner I replaced on the list,” Powers said. “It’s definitely created some new opportunities, with several coaches reaching out to congratulate me.”
The record had been a benchmark for the program, encouraging runners who dreamed of reaching the same milestone. Powers, however, didn’t just chase the standard, he surpassed it, bringing energy and belief to the rest of the team. His accomplishment reflects not only his personal growth but also the support system that has shaped him as an athlete.
“He’s really in control of his racing, he knows when to hold back and pushing when he can,” head coach Joe Golden said. “He is a very mature runner, running for the long term not just right in the moment.”
For Powers, the record isn’t just about time on a clock. It represents years of early morning practices, summer miles, and the steady climb from being a freshman to a confident senior leader. He has balanced his running career with academics and leadership roles, serving as a role model for teammates who admire both his work ethic along with humbleness.
Looking ahead, Powers hopes this performance is only the beginning. With the rest of the season still ahead, he remains focused on pushing his limits even further.
“I’d love to break the 15-minute mark and earn All-Star honors again,” said Powers. “Which is done by finishing in the top five of the State meet.”
As he crossed the line and he wasn’t even aware he had broken the record, Powers wasn’t just running for himself, he was running for every teammate, coach, and supporter who helped him along his journey. His name now etched into the history books, a reminder of what commitment and belief can achieve.
