Cross Country has launched its season with impressive performances at local meets and the national Nike South meet in College Station, Texas. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Nick Accardo, the team is already gaining national attention. The Blue Jays are currently ranked fourth in the nation by MileSplit USA, a comprehensive platform that provides in-depth coverage of high school cross country and track & field.

This strong start is fueled by the team’s performance last season, when it missed qualifying for the Nike National meet by a single spot. Despite losing a key runner in Brady Mullen ’25, Accardo is confident in the team’s depth and competitive drive. He describes the group as “a team of boys that want to show that they are the best runner on one of the best teams in the country.”

Country Day Cajun Classic

Jesuit took first place at its opening meet, the Country Day Cajun Classic. Sophomore Collin Matherne led the team, finishing fifth overall with a 5k time of 17:24. The team’s top five was completed by sophomore Patrick Avin (18:05), freshman Taylor Mouledoux (18:05), senior Brady Gilbert (18:17), and sophomore Jason Comeaux (18:20).

Nike South Invitational

The team continued its success in College Station, winning both the varsity elite and varsity divisions. The team’s dominant performance was highlighted by exceptional individual times from its top ten runners:

3rd Place: senior Brady Monahan – 14:36
11th Place: senior Joe Accardo – 14:57
12th Place: senior Connor Fanberg – 14:58
14th Place: junior David Quintana – 15:02
17th Place: junior Andrew Nimmo – 15:13
23rd Place: sophomore Rhys Grant – 15:24
27th Place: junior Nicholas Braud – 15:27
32nd Place: sophomore Race Hughes – 15:34
33rd Place: junior PJ Fitzmorris – 15:35
46th Place: senior Finn Connolly

Looking Ahead: The Great American Cross Country Festival

All ten of these runners will travel this week to Cary, North Carolina, to compete in The Great American Cross Country Festival. The meet will feature a highly competitive field, including several other top-25 teams. This upcoming race is a critical step as Jesuit Cross Country continues its push to qualify for Nike Nationals. Fans can follow the Cross Country schedule and view the roster on the athletics page.