Introducing Hoggard girls team captain and middle distance champ, River Mead who receives a $3000 first place award from WRRC.

River: "Winning the Wilmington Road Runner Scholarship honestly means so much to me; it feels amazing to have my hard work in school and running recognized. It really motivates me to keep chasing my goals and keep pushing myself. I'm truly grateful to be supported by such an amazing running community."

Coach Rhonda: "River takes her training very seriously, but understands the importance of having fun (she loves a spirit week).  She is a positive motivator and shares in the excitement of her teammates successes. Her desire to be the best version of herself makes her extremely coachable.  I appreciate that she advocates for herself and is always open to receiving feedback. River has truly grown into a model student-athlete, teammate, and leader.  She set a goal of competing at a D1 college and she is thrilled to be continuing her running career at the next level. River has worked so hard to get to where she is and her future is looking bright."

Great job River! All the best at UNC Charlotte

Owen Alford is New Hanover High senior, XC Captain and winner of the 2025 WRRC Boys scholarship and a $3000 award. Owen is a next level community servant acting as lead  'School Meals for all NC' ambassador, advocating for no-cost meals for all NC Public school students. He is primed to continue his studies at UNC.

Owen, "I am immensely grateful to the WRRC for choosing me as a recipient for a 2025 scholarship. I have gained and learned so much from running throughout my life such as discipline, the value of hard work, and a sense of community, family, and responsibility. This award will help me as I further pursue my passion of service to the world around me as a Public Policy major at UNC-Chapel Hill."

Coach Zinner. "As a captain, and as a natural leader, Owen made sure that each student-athlete felt valued and felt like an integral part of the whole. He set the tone for the season, and demonstrated daily through his actions and words, that growth can be measured not only by finish line times on a clock, but by how we can have a positive impact upon those around us."

Meet Miles Hermann. Miles is a graduating senior at Coastal Christian and outgoing XC Captain. He is headed to Campbell University where he will continue to run XC and track for their division 1 program. Miles has been awarded a $1500 scholarship from WRRC.

Coach Lewis: "Whether pushing himself to new personal bests or encouraging his teammates during grueling workouts, Miles consistently demonstrated the qualities of a true athlete, discipline, resilience, and humility. Beyond his impressive performances in competition, Miles exemplifies the characteristics of a well-rounded student-athlete. He maintains a strong academic record, balances multiple responsibilities with maturity, and brings a positive attitude to everything he does"

Miles: "I would first like to state how thankful and grateful I am to receive the Wilmington Road Runners Scholarship. Since freshman year running has truly been a very important part of my life. Running has taught me many important lessons such: as never giving up, pushing past limits, and being able to embrace challenges. This scholarship will help me to continue the great sport of running and continue my education at Cambell.

I would not be where I am today without all the amazing coaches I have had along this journey. Coach Rainy Scrocco, Coach Maya Baxter, Coach Ty Lewis, Coach Aaron Kolk, and Coach Tom Clifford have been extremely influential through my running career and they have helped me to push past my limits, achieve my goals, and truly explore what I am capable of. I also thank my Mom and Dad for everything they have done for me, for being there at every race/meet and always supporting me, I would not be where I am today without them. I want to thank God for empowering me to do so much through the sport of running. Once again, I want to thank the WRRC and say I am truly honored to be selected for this scholarship."

Laney Senior, Kiley Canter, has spent four years on the track team and is the current Hurdle squad captain. She is a recipient of a $1500 scholarship from WRRC, and is heading to Duke in the fall to study Biochemistry.

Kiley: "My experience on the Laney Track Team has been incredibly impactful. I have not only grown as an athlete, but have truly been changed as a person. As a hurdler, one lesson will always stay with me: when life puts obstacles in your path—and it will—don’t stop, don’t slow down, and don’t give up. Face them head-on. Attack the hurdle. This mindset, ingrained through every practice and race, is something I’ll carry with me long after I leave the track.

I would  like to thank everyone who made my experience on the Track Team so special. Coach Bobbitt, who has guided my hurdle journey since freshman year, as well as Coach Poe, who never fails to make me smile, and Coach T, who keeps everything functioning on the team. I would not be the hurdler nor the person I am today without these coaches. I would also like to thank my parents for being there for every single race, cheering at the top of their lungs and waving homemade signs—your support means everything to me. And lastly, thank you to my teammates—especially the hurdle squad. You’ve been like a second family, always pushing me to be better. I’ll never forget the lessons you taught me and the confidence you instilled in me."

Coach Bobbitt; "Kiley is an amazing young lady. I am in awe of how she carries herself and how she perceives the world. Not often do you come across someone who is so grounded and amazing at anything they decide to do and that person remains humble. Kiley is a team leader on the dance, volleyball and track teams. While I was out with a health setback, she was the one I confidently tasked to mentor my freshmen and returning hurdlers. She is an ambassador for being active in sports and is so personable. Her leadership will be missed next year."

Congrats from all at WRRC Kiley!

Hoggard senior and hurdle and pole vault captain Blake Thompson has been awarded a $1500 scholarship from WRRC and is headed to The University of South Carolina in the fall.

Blake: "This scholarship truly means the world to me, as this sport has been my passion and drive for the past four years. At times it has scared me to death, and at others it has given me the greatest thrills I could have imagined. Either way, this sport has challenged me in every way, and I wouldn't change a thing about my experience. Earning this scholarship is not the product of my work, but of so many amazing coaches, mentors, and teammates who have poured their lives into me. I am forever grateful for these people and will never forget what an amazing experience I've had through track and field. Thank you to the Wilmington Road Runners Club for supporting and encouraging athletes like me."

Coach Boggs, "Blake is a standout member of the Hoggard High School track program. He consistently demonstrates not only physical talent but also a contagious drive for improvement of himself and the people around him. As a pole vaulter and hurdler, you have to be extremely focused on all the details of the events to make progress. His commitment to his training, resilience in the face of setbacks, and natural leadership qualities have earned them the respect of teammates and coaches alike. What truly sets Blake apart is his unwavering character and ability to lead. As a captain of our program, he has been a tremendous role model to follow and learn from."

Congrats Blake. All the best at USC from all at WRRC!

Maya is a graduating senior from Isaac Bear Early Collège who has commuted to represent Ashley High School for four years on the track.  Maya has been awarded a $1500 WRRC Scholarship award and is headed to MIT!

Coach Guthrie: "As a senior this year, Maya has been instrumental in a leadership role for our programs. She has really stood out as someone who leads by example and pays attention to the small details that success requires. Maya has really stood out in a leadership role and is always willing to sacrifice her own needs to help the team. She is on time everyday and leads our group in our dynamic warm up. She has really shined as a peer that others look up to and want to follow in our program. She is accountable in all she does on and off the athletic fields"

Maya:

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my coaches, past and present, who have shaped not only my running abilities but also my character. To Coach Chitty, who taught me to "run with my heart, not with my head." To Coach Shawn, who reminded me not to take myself too seriously and to have fun. To Coach Hugh, who pushed me to accomplish things I never thought possible. And to Coach Guthrie and Coach Williams, whose first year coaching the Ashley Cross Country and Track and Field teams coincided with my final season. I am grateful to Coach Guthrie, who continually encouraged us to rise to challenges, and to Coach Williams, who always made sure to say “good job” after my race. I would usually respond with, “I did alright,” or “I was not good enough,” but thanks to both of them, I am learning to simply enjoy the moment. I want to give special acknowledgment to Coach Guthrie—his emphasis on embracing challenges has deeply inspired me. I hope to carry that “habit of ferocity” with me, both in future running—whether competitive or recreational—and in all other aspects of my life. Finally, I want to express my appreciation for the unconditional love, laughter, and grace bestowed upon me by the Ashley Cross Country and Track and Field team members, both past and present.

This Fall, I will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pursue Biological and Biomedical Engineering with a focus in tissue engineering. After completing my undergraduate studies, I hope to pursue a PhD related to biomedical engineering, health sciences, and technology. My career aspirations include conducting research that advances astronaut health and explores how we can live healthily in space. The community I have found through running has been transformative, and I will carry its lessons and relationships with me to MIT and beyond.

Thank you again to the Wilmington Road Runners for this incredible honor and investment in my Future!"