Hamilton Southeastern made a very powerful statement at the 2025 Hoosier Crossroads Conference (HCC) Cross Country Championships this weekend, finishing second overall in a competitive field. The meet, hosted at Brownsburg Middle School, under ideal running conditions, saw standout individual and team performances. None more impressive that of senior Liam Powers, who delivered a historic run to lead the Royals.
Powers finished in dominant fashion, finishing first overall while setting a meet record, course record, personal record, and school record all in one race. His performance was the highlight of the day and he continues to have an outstanding season. From the start of the race, Powers separated himself from the field of players and never looked back, crossing the finish line with a commanding lead and rewriting the school’s record books in the process.
Following Power’s outstanding performance, the Royals packed in strong performances across the board. Junior Isaac Smith ran a steady race to finish 6th overall, holding his positive against a competitive field. Senior Monroe Cliff also stepped up, placing 13th overall and helping solidify Hamilton Southeastern’s position in the top 3 standings.
Despite an outstanding effort, the Royals came up just short in the final results, finishing second behind a well-rounded and experienced Noblesville squad. While the runner-up finish wasn’t the top spot the team had sights on, it underscored their consistency, toughness, and depth in one of the most competitive conferences in Indiana.
I asked Sophomore Jackson Mason and Truman Francis what it felt like to help the team secure a second-place finish at such a high-level meet.
“It felt really good to see all of our work pay off,” Mason said, “We wanted first place, but second isn’t too bad and it also shows how far we’ve come as a team.”
Francis also stated that, “Obviously, we always want to win, but placing second in a tough field is still something to be proud of,” he said. “Now our mind is on sectionals and how we attack that.”
The course played fast, with warm temperatures and dry conditions that made for excellent running. Many athletes across the field took advantage of the favorable weather and for Hamilton Southeastern, it seemed like it really did, with several runners delivering strong and individual improvements, showing that they are peaking at the right time heading into the postseason.
As the team looks ahead to the sectional championships, momentum is clearly on their side. Powers, continuing to lead by example, not only with his times but with his work ethic and consistency. Meanwhile, the depth behind him, led by Smith, Cliff, and the rest of the varsity squad. This gives Hamilton Southeastern a strong foundation moving forward to sectionals, looking like this team will not disappoint.
The HCC Championships served as a key checkpoint in the season and the results show a team that is hitting its peak at exactly the right time.
