Earlier this month, sophomore Keller Handwerk and senior Sam Pate led the Friends cross-country team to an MIAA C Conference championship win.

On Monday, November 1, the Quakes defeated Chapelgate, Palotti, Key, Concordia Prep, Jemicy, Beth T’Filoh, Indian Creek, and Saint John’s, to claim their 6th consecutive title.

And the Quakes did it without the majority of the team. The MIAA canceled the JV Open race due to COVID-19, leaving only Varsity to participate.

Even so, the Quakers felt the spirit, as many parents, coaches, and students came out to support the team.

“This is the Golden State Warriors of cross-country,” captain Sam Pate said of the group. (The Golden State Warriors were considered a basketball dynasty, due to having the greatest starting five.)

This is true; the Quakers had all seven racers finish in under 20 minutes. They were led by a team-best 18:16  and 18:44 from Keller and Sam.

Furthermore, the Quakes featured six of their seven racers in the top 10. Sophomores Keller and Hudson Weber, juniors Mason Shriver and Arturo Blasco, and senior Sam also made the MIAA C Conference Team.

The team will miss seniors Sam, Christopher Davis, Jonathan Ellwanger, and Rowan Campbell next year. After winning six consecutive titles, the Quakes will move up from the MIAA C Conference to the B Conference next fall.

The team will live on with the guidance of Coaches Jennifer Smith and Mike Paulson. As the Quakers join the B Conference, their young squad will hope to bring home a 7th straight title.