By Zach Moss
Guest Writer
The Hayesville High School cross country team is off to a strong start this year. The year began with a home meet at the Clay County Recreation Department where both teams took first place in convincing manner.
The following weekend the cross country teams competed against 48 other teams in the Western North Carolina Carnival and began to build on what promises to be a strong season for Hayesville High cross country.
August 30 the teams traveled to Tri County Early College where the men took first place and the women finished in third.
September 6 the teams competed in Cherokee where they flexed their muscles once again as the men took first over Enka, Smoky Mountain and their conference opponents. The ladies also ran well finishing in fourth overall.
Saturday, Sept. 16 Hayesville cross country traveled to Swain County and set season personal records across the board. The men’s team was led by Parker Hughes and Noah Carter who both finished in the top 15 with season best times of 17:56 and 18:06 respectively.
Jackson Dye, Cannon Brewer, Landon Huges, Elio Murillo and Will Denton rounded out the top 7 scoring individuals for Hayesville.
Jacket ladies Sydney Greenstone and Raelynn Wood led the team with impressive performances. Greenstone and Wood ran personal record times of 21:10 and 21:47 respectively. The women’s team was short handed at this race with several team members out but still managed to finish strong in third place.
I am really proud of both teams. Their hard work began this summer at Montreat Running Camp and they are continuing to improve. This is a really fun group to coach because they arrive each day at practice with smiles and a great attitude. I see big things for the future of Hayesville High cross country. Hayesville will travel to Murphy High School during for their next competition.