Fleet-footed senior Liam O’Connor carried Bishop Ireton’s boys cross country squad to their third consecutive state Catholic championship with a first-place finish October 26.
O’Connor followed in the footsteps of Ireton runner Michael Anderson, who captured the first-place prize in the 2010 tournament. O’Connor had enjoyed a first-place finish in the Alexandria City Cross Country Championships earlier in the season.
While O’Connor medaled again during the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference — earning a third-place finish — Ireton’s boys squad finished fifth overall during Saturday’s playoff meet. Good Counsel won the team event, with Gonzaga placing second and Bishop O’Connell third.