By Zach Moss
Guest Writer
The Hayesville High School cross country teams competed Saturday, Oct. 28 in the 1A West Regional Championships in Bryson City, N.C. The championship featured 24 teams across the western region. Hayesville once again had a strong showing with both teams. The men’s team secured a spot in the State Championship on Saturday, Nov. 4 in Kernersville, N.C.
The western region is perennially the strongest region in North Carolina and this year featured six of the top eight schools in the state. Hayesville knew going into the race that they would need to run their best race of the year collectively if they were to advance to the state championship. The teams have put in countless miles since June and were not going to be denied. Hayesville men ran extremely well with four individuals finishing under 18 minutes in the 5,000 meter race. Noah Carter led the way with a personal record time of 17:12. Freshman Parker Hughes and Jackson Dye rose to the challenge with personal record times of 17:40 and 17:57 respectively. Landon Hughes and Cannon Brewer rounded out the scoring with times of 17:58 and 18:16. Elio Murillo and Cooper Matheson ran well, serving as pusherswith running times of 19:45 and 20:21.
Hayesville men will look to represent Clay County and Hayesville High School at the state championship meet where they are ranked in the top seven.
The Lady Jackets ran extremely well against very stiff competition. Many of the ladies finished in personal record times. The women’s team is young and has improved all season. They are a promising group for the future of Hayesville High. Three underclassmen led the way for the Lady Jackets. Freshman Sydney Greenstone led with a time of 21:14 followed closely by sophomore Raelynn Wood in a time of 21:23. Sophomore Amyna Denton ran a personal record time of 24. Freshman Olivia Free came in next with a time of 24:50. Rounding out the scoring for the Lady Jackets were Lilly Denton, Breanna Abrams and Jadyn Kimber.
I am super proud of both teams this year. They are a wonderful group of young people who give their best and compete each week. I am happy for our team to see the benefits of hard work and commitment.
We have always had a tradition of greatness in distance running here in Hayesville. I believe this will continue for many years to come.