Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child’s girls’ cross country team won the Union County Conference Mountain Division Championship on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, New Jersey. This marks the second time the Royals’ cross country team has won their division since 2018. This year, the Royals faced and defeated New Providence, Governor Livingston, Cranford, and Jonathan Dayton. 

As a team, the Royals placed four runners in the top 8 for a final 46-52 victory over New Providence. Senior Lily Murphy ’22 finished first in the conference race and second fastest overall in the meet with a personal record of 18:42. Sarah McManus ’22 placed 5 in the 5K with a time of 20:51, Megan McCann ’23 placed 7th at 21:35 and Betsy Keenan ’22 placed 8 at 21:51. Kate Cugno ’23, Molly Farrell ’22 and Gabby Delano ’22 also competed. 

Keenan and McManus were also part of the last winning Union County Mountain Division conference team in 2018 as freshmen at Oak Knoll School.

“It was so special to win alongside my teammates,” said McManus. “I’m excited to have continued building upon a legacy of success first achieved during my freshman year. Having many seasons of hard work culminate in a conference championship is the best way to end my cross-country career.” 

Oak Knoll School’s Head Cross Country Coach Mikey Cassu agreed. 

“This was a true team effort and every point counted,” he said. “This was a well-deserved victory for our team.”

Congratulations, Royals!