Thu Sep 19 14:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Wilson Memorial Twins Shine on the Cross Country Course

**Fishersville, VA** – Wilson Memorial High School’s Sydney and Alison Troxell, twin juniors, are making waves on the cross country course. While the two share a love for running, their personalities and running styles are as different as their physical features.

Sydney, a more reserved runner with experience dating back to elementary school, prefers a slow start and a strong finish. Alison, who joined the team last year and made immediate progress, is a more vocal and aggressive runner.

“They’re completely different, and both have their strengths,” said Coach Natalie Hall, a former VHSL state champion runner herself. “Sydney’s been running for a long time and is a little more reserved. Alison started last year, and saw tons of improvement right away. They are both unique parts of our team in their own way.”

Despite their differences, the sisters are each other’s biggest cheerleaders and support each other through every race. They bring their competitiveness to the course but leave it there, maintaining a healthy sibling relationship at home.

“At the end of the day, even if we do beat each other in things, we don’t take that home with us,” said Alison. “We leave that where it happens. At home, we act like a normal pair of twins would act. We don’t hold grudges.”

Their differing styles and supportive personalities contribute to the success of the team, as they both strive to help coach Hall win her second Shenandoah District team championship in as many years.

“Alison has really developed a lot in the last year-and-a-half,” said Hall. “She’s really a team leader. She’s vocal. She sees how her other teammates feel, and she kind of connects with that.”

“Sydney has grown a ton as an athlete,” Hall added. “As far as her mental game, she’s gotten a lot more mentally tough over the last year. She was a big proponent in why we won the district last year.”

As the season progresses, the Wilson Memorial cross country team, led by the dynamic duo of Sydney and Alison Troxell, will be looking to continue their winning ways and make a strong push for the Shenandoah District championship.

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