News Summary Lewis County junior Brody Skinner clinched his first high school cross country victory at the Stonewall Jackson Invitational, finishing with an impressive time of 19:27.27. Battling an SI joint injury, Skinner’s determination paid off as he outperformed a competitive field of 40 athletes. His win not only showcases his personal achievements but also highlights the strength of the Lewis County boys cross country team, which secured first place at the event. As Skinner aims for all-state honors, the future looks bright for both him and his teammates. Exciting Victory for Lewis County’s Brody Skinner at Stonewall Jackson Invitational Lewis County is buzzing with excitement after junior Brody Skinner achieved his first career high school cross country victory at the recent Stonewall Jackson Invitational. This remarkable achievement not only marks a personal milestone for Skinner but also shines a spotlight on the growing talent bubbling within the local sports scene. A Race to Remember Skinner crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 19:27.27, making him the only runner to clock in under 20 minutes amidst a competitive field of 40 athletes. This isn’t just a win; it’s a testament to his hard work and determination, especially considering the challenges he faced leading up to the race. Challenges Along the Way Before grabbing his victory, Skinner had been training while dealing with a nagging sacroiliac (SI) joint injury. Many might have felt deterred by such a setback, but not Skinner. His journey into the world of running began in the sixth grade, inspired by his mother, who paved the way as a dedicated cross country runner. Building a Foundation of Success Skinner’s journey didn’t stop at the Stonewall Jackson Invitational. His performance in the 2024 Class AA Region II championships was nothing short of spectacular, where he placed third and helped his team secure a spot at the state meet. He later set a Lewis County sophomore record with a time of 17:35 and finished 23rd at the state meet. Each race is contributing to his growing reputation. Summer Training Like No Other Determined to improve, Skinner dedicated his summer to an intense training regimen, running between 40 to 55 miles a week while also engaging in strength training. This dedication is a key factor in his impressive performance, which has clearly paid off at the Stonewall Jackson Invitational. The Role of Coaching Under the guidance of his coach, Corey Burkett, Skinner has been honing his skills, particularly in sprint speed, which is vital for any distance runner. This coaching relationship has undoubtedly contributed to the success of Skinner and his teammates. Team Triumph Not only did Skinner shine individually, but his performance helped propel the Lewis County boys cross country team to victory at the Stonewall Jackson Invitational. The team scored a total of 35 points, triumphing over Braxton County, which finished with 49 points. With standout finishes from teammates like Owen Debar (3rd), Zane Stewart (6th), and Carder Holden (10th), it was a great day for Lewis County sports. Looking Ahead As the season progresses, Skinner is aiming high. His sights are set on achieving second-team all-state honors and improving his times to the 16:50s. With the Lewis County team gearing up for a competitive season in the new Region II four-class alignment, there’s plenty to look forward to for fans and followers of the team. Girls Team Shines Too The girls’ side wasn’t left out of the congratulations either! Heidi Hefner secured fifth place at the same invitational, earning a medal with a time of 25:14.44. Not to be overlooked, the girls’ team is showing they can give the boys a run for their money as well. A Bright Future As celebrations continue for Brody Skinner’s stunning victory, it’s clear that Lewis County has a bright future ahead in cross country. Between Skinner’s remarkable resilience and the collective strength of the team, there is much reason for excitement in the coming weeks. Here’s to more milestones and unforgettable moments as athletes continue to strive for greatness! Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic LIVE BALL Resources Additional Resources WV News: Skinner sets the standard for Lewis County cross country Wikipedia: Cross Country Running Weston Democrat: Lewis County cross country shines at invitationals Google Search: Brody Skinner Cross Country WBOY: WVU releases 2025 cross country schedule Google Scholar: Cross Country Training Techniques Canton Rep: Stark County High School Athlete of the Week Encyclopedia Britannica: Running Sport Weston Democrat: Veteran Lewis County cross country teams aim for state meet Google News: Lewis County Cross Country
