Jesse Gresh didn't have any doubt as he approached the starting line in last Friday's Shenandoah Twilight Invitational.

There were a number of reasons that others might be anxious. The entire first mile of the race was up straight up hill. The competition was strong once again. NCAA Division 1 & 2 runners were on either side of Jesse as he waited for the starters pistol. Despite all that, Jesse ran a very smart, consistent and fast 6K (3.73 miles) in 21:27 (5:50 per mile). 

As a senior at Liberty last spring, Jesse finished 6^th in the 3200 meters (2 miles) in 9:57 at the Maryland State High School Championship and provided the necessary points to enable his team to become state champions. Jesse was the first 2025 recruit to join the Lynx Cross Country team and has become a strong contender for the regional championship in late October. His ability to remain calm and focused prior to and during his races sets him apart. 

Jesse and the rest of his teammates will compete next at Dickinson College on Saturday, September 27 at the Long-Short Invitational.