Fort Mill Dominates, Nighbor Sets Record at Bob Jenkins York County Cross Country Championships

Fort Mill High School staked its claim as the premier cross country program in York County, sweeping both the Boys’ and Girls’ team titles at the Bob Jenkins York County Cross Country Championships held on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The meet was also highlighted by an electrifying, record-breaking performance in the Girls’ race by Ella Nighbor of Clover High School.

Girls’ Race: Nighbor Shatters Course Record

The Girls’ 5000 Meter Run was a showcase for Ella Nighbor, the senior from Clover, who not only took the individual title but blazed a new trail with a course record time of 17:26.12. Nighbor’s performance was nearly 35 seconds faster than the next competitor, leaving no doubt about her dominance on the day.

Despite Nighbor’s individual brilliance, it was Fort Mill that claimed the top spot in the team standings, securing a narrow victory with 26 points. The Yellow Jackets displayed impressive depth, placing four runners in the top 7 and all five scoring runners in the top 9. Kaylee Rovenstine (18:01.36) and Alivia Cleveland(18:21.47) led the charge, finishing 2nd and 3rd, respectively. They were followed by Lauren Allen (5th), Marlee Cook (7th), and Bailey Nolin (9th) to solidify the team win.

Clover (45 points), anchored by Nighbor, finished second, followed by Nation Ford (65 points) in third.

Girls 5000 Meter Run Finals Team Scores:

Boys’ Race: Fort Mill’s Impressive Pack Attack

The Fort Mill Boys’ team delivered a similarly commanding performance, easily winning the championship with a phenomenal team score of 23 points. The Yellow Jackets demonstrated overwhelming control over the race, with their top five runners all finishing in the top 12 overall.

The individual title went to Fort Mill’s Connor Demmerle, who clocked a winning time of 15:57.12. He was immediately followed by teammates Owen Ware (2nd, 15:59.83) and Finn Leckrone (3rd, 16:04.48), completing a near-perfect 1-2-3 sweep for the Yellow Jackets. Hudson Haley (5th) and Zack Larner (12th) completed the scoring five for Fort Mill, who boasted an impressive 1-5 split of just 51 seconds and a dominant team average of 16:14.

Nation Ford (63 points) secured the runner-up spot, with Robert Saddler leading their effort in 4th place (16:17.22). Clover (67 points) finished a very close third.

Boys 5000 Meter Run Finals Team Scores:

The Bob Jenkins York County Cross Country Championships provided a memorable day of racing, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the season as teams prepare for upcoming region and state meets.