LIBERTY – The day of any high school cross country state meet can be both challenging and emotional for the athletes and their families, obviously more so when multiplied by four.
Four students, three boys and a girl from the Balawi family, will step onto the cross country course at the Sandhills Research Center in Columbia on Saturday as members of the Liberty High cross country team. The family and the team will be led by senior Abraham Balawi and junior Hanan, along with eighth-grader Adam and seventh-grader Mismeh.
Photo provided
Abraham is considered among the favorites to take the SCHSL State Class AA championship tomorrow based on his first-place finish last weekend at the Upper State Championships at Hillcrest High, while his younger sister, Hanan, should do well on the girls’ side after finishing 11th at Upper State.
Having four of their children competing at State this season is obviously special for the Balawi parents, Abballah and Shannon.
“It’s...