By Leigh C. Merrifield
At the most recent meeting of Shinnston City Council, Mayor Patrick Kovalck read a ‘Proclamation of Recognition’ honoring Lincoln High School’s 2025 Boys AND Girls Cross Country Teams.
The Lincoln High School 2025 Boys Cross County Team earned the title of Class AA Region II Champions and achieved the distinguished honor of being the Class AA State Runer-Up.
The Lincoln High School 2025 Girls Cross Country Team excelled as the Class AA Region II Runner-Up and finished third at the State Meet.
This being the first time in the school’s history that both the Boys & Girls Cross Country teams had qualified for the State Championship in the same year, Shinnston City Council felt this remarkable achievement was worthy of this presentation.
The Proclamation commended the student-athletes on their commitment, perseverance, and teamwork ,AND noted the leadership of their coaches as well as the steadfast encouragement of their families and supporters.
Coach Kevin Nuzum, who has coached Cross Country for many years, noted that Lincoln has had individuals qualify for the State Championship in the past, but this was the first year to have a “team” of BOTH the boys and girls to reach this pinnacle.
Coach Nuzum commented, “Our goal this year was to get to the State Championship, and I just knew this was going to be a BIG year for us. They have accumulated many trophies this year; they are very good athletes and have remained very focused. PLUS, they are just awesome kids who have bonded together and care for one another. They have been a joy for both myself and Asst. Coach Jeremy Cochran to work with.”
Nuzum noted that two of the Senior boys on the team will continue to run Cross Country at Fairmont State University next year, and one Senior girl will also run Cross Country at WV Wesleyan.
The Cross Country sport is offered not only to high school students at Lincoln, but also to students at Lincoln Middle School.
Coach Nuzum concluded, “We have these kids running all year long, and Asst. Coach Cochran and I are looking forward to the future and continuing to be state contenders!”