Atlanta Track Club Recognizes 42 Student-Athletes at the All-Metro Cross Country Awards Banquet

Bruce Taylor

Atlanta Track Club Recognizes 42 Student-Athletes at the All-Metro Cross Country Awards Banquet           

                                                                All Metro Cross Country Awards                      

At the All-Metro Cross Country Awards Banquet, which was held for the first time at the College Football Hall of Fame, each of the All-Metro athletes were recognized for their extraordinary seasons and their placement on the 1st Team, 2nd Team, or 3rd Team was revealed. First Team All-Metro honorees received a $500 scholarship from Atlanta Track Club.  

This year’s banquet featured Ryan Hall, the fastest marathoner in U.S. history, as the keynote speaker. Hall spoke to the young athletes about his experiences running in high school, college and at the Olympics, and encouraged the young athletes with wisdom he wished someone had shared with him when he was in high school, including the advice to enjoy each run, not to compare their pace or progress to others, and to acknowledge other athletes in the field and their performance. 

“It is not by accident that we are honoring top area athletes here at the College Football Hall of Fame,” said Rich Kenah, Executive Director of Atlanta Track Club.  “It is our belief at Atlanta Track Club that these athletes deserve the same spotlight as one of the region’s most popular sports, and this venue gave us the opportunity to highlight their achievements and raise the level of awareness around the sport of Cross Country.” 

Head coaches and top athletes who were recognized at the All-Metro Cross Country Banquet included Coach Clayton Tillery,West Forsyth High School Girls Coach, who received the Paul Koshewa Award for Outstanding Dedication for his extra efforts in raising awareness of and supporting Cross Country within the school community. Coach Wesley Etienne, Clarkston High School Boys Coach, was honored with Jerry Frazier Award for Outstanding Dedication for his commitment to developing his team not only as top Cross Country athletes but also as community leaders.

Lindsay Billings from Northview High School received the Ray Buckley Award for Outstanding Female Cross Country Athlete, and Reilly Friedman from Galloway School took home the Jeff Benton Award for Outstanding Male Cross Country Athlete.
For the complete list of honorees, including the athletes’ placement on the 1st Team, 2nd Team, and 3rd Team Click on this link:  

                                       All Metro Cross Country Awards