On a perfect September evening — cool enough for fast running and breezy enough to make the long miles feel worthwhile — North Montgomery’s Chargers put together one of those cross-country performances that a program remembers.
At the 2026 Southmont Leap Into September Invitational, both the North Montgomery boys and girls teams captured championships, marking the first time in many years that the Chargers had swept both team titles at the same meet.
It was a night built on more than trophies. Sixteen of North Montgomery’s 22 runners earned season personal records, while seven recorded career personal bests. In cross-country, those numbers tell the deepest story: runners finding another gear, teammates encouraging one another, and a program improving together when it mattered.
Girls Lead the Charge
The North Montgomery girls placed four runners in the top 10, providing the depth that turns a strong individual effort into a championship team performance.
Sarah Hopper led the Chargers with a second-place finish. Kendra McClamroch, Kaitlyn Kunz, and Remley Redden also finished among the top 10, giving North Montgomery a powerful presence near the front of the field.
Hopper’s front-running effort and the strength of her teammates carried the Charger girls to the team title. Their performance was the product of steady training, summer miles, and the understanding that every place in a cross-country race can help decide a championship.
Boys Complete the Sweep
The North Montgomery boys matched the girls’ success with four runners in the top 10.
Drew Dark finished second and Cooper Stephens took third, placing two Chargers near the front from the start. Ethan King added an eighth-place finish, while Lukas Fowler finished ninth to give North Montgomery four top-10 runners and the depth needed to secure the boys team championship.
For one September evening at Southmont, North Montgomery did more than race well. The Chargers made a it their mission to make sure both teams continue to improve, both teams continue to be competitive, and both teams have the talent and heart to make the rest of the season exciting.
