By Matt Diglio
(October 15, 2026) — On October 10, 2026, the Haddam Killingworth High School Boys and Girls cross country teams traveled to Saratoga Springs, New York to compete at the Saratoga Invitational against some of the top teams in New York.
The Girls team had lots of Personal Records on a flat and fast 5,000 meter course to place fourth overall as a team, scoring 113 points in the Varsity race. The Girls were once again led by Senior Co-Captain Charlotte Behnke, who crossed the line in a fast time of 18:11 to place seventh overall in the race. She was followed by her sister, Sophomore Alyssa Behnke, who ran 19:05 to place 16th, and fellow Senior Co-Captain Emi Schweitzer 18th (19:19). Next to cross the line for HKHS was Sophomore Annie Webster 28th (19:53) and Freshman Mattie Gersz 50th (22:12) to round out the team scoring.
The Boys team also raced well against some of the top teams in New York as they placed second as a team in the Varsity race scoring 104 points, losing only to Saratoga, which is the#1 ranked team in New York State. Leading the Cougars were Senior Co-Captains Evan Berardino, who placed 5th in the race with a time of 15:30, and Wyatt Voegtli 10th (15:53). Close behind Voegtli was Junior Trey Downing 43rd (15:57), then Senior Paul Birkmeyer 45th (16:19) and Sophomore Quinn Spector 58th (17:49) to round out the team scoring.
The Cross Country teams will next compete on October 22, 2026 in the Shoreline Championship Meet at Hammonasset Beach State Park.
Photos by Kerstin Berardino
