The 2009 version of NEGA has come a long way baby since the Inaugural 2004 meet. Now, what transpired in 2004 can be remembered with some laughter as the top 4 girls in the Championship race took a wrong turn and ended up in Madison County as a course ranger left their position to assist a runner in need(Although, the girls had already ran the first loop and were informed Loop 2 was a repeat...) Coach Cummings learned from this and has turned what started as a mainly local event into an all encompassing Invitational with teams attending from as far away as the Blue Ridge mountains and Northern Hall county.
This year over 1536 runners from 45 schools will try out their new spikes on the ACS course which runs much tougher in late August as most of the course is wide open, especially the back section of the course and the hot sun can be a drain on all but the most conditioned runners. The race starts and ends in the Football stadium and crosses a rolling hilly field into the back section coming back out up steep little hill by the headmaster's red brick house, winds through the woods(shaded area) and back into a playground leading into the Stadium. Times tend to be much faster in mid-late October as the weather cools.
AAA will take the stage in the Boys race with top ranked Flowery Branch, North Hall and Oconee and the racing is sure to be hot. Pre-race favorites individually have to be defending 1A champ Colin Bishoff and new teamate Joshua Jenkins of ACS. North Hall has their own dynamic duo in Cody Barger and Ty McCormack. Maurice Riden of FB is the top Falcon from 08' and has a strong, tight pack following him. ACS as a team though could break into the top 3 with a strong run by frosh Josiah Jenkins.
The Girls race I promise, will not end up in Madison County and Flowery Brach led by Kiara McCue-Woods looks like a pre-race favorite after a 2nd place individual finish at Carrollton in 08' and nearly all of her Lady Falcons buddies returning for 09'. 4A squads Winder-Barrow and Loganville will bring strong squads to NEGA especially the Lady Bulldoggs from Winder with super-frosh Amanda Cope and stalwart Bethany Murphy leading the pack. Other top contenders for the individual title will be White County sophomore Jessie Dotson, Oconee's Anne Centner , plus Rebecca Greenwall of North Oconee(sister Rachel has been battling the flu this week and may not compete.
GATFXC.COM will be onsite in the Purple ACS gator with Bruce Greenwall taking Images and Site Sponsor, The Perfect Timing Group led by Phil Logan and family will be handling timing and results chores to ensure all performances will be recognized. Coach Tim has assured us the MS 3K will be a legit course this year also!
The 2009 version of NEGA has come a long way baby since the Inaugural 2004 meet. Now, what transpired in 2004 can be remembered with some laughter as the top 4 girls in the Championship race took a wrong turn and ended up in Madison County as a course ranger left their position to assist a runner in need(Although, the girls had already ran the first loop and were informed Loop 2 was a repeat...) Coach Cummings learned from this and has turned what started as a mainly local event into an all encompassing Invitational with teams attending from as far away as the Blue Ridge mountains and Northern Hall county.
This year over 1536 runners from 45 schools will try out their new spikes on the ACS course which runs much tougher in late August as most of the course is wide open, especially the back section of the course and the hot sun can be a drain on all but the most conditioned runners. The race starts and ends in the Football stadium and crosses a rolling hilly field into the back section coming back out up steep little hill by the headmaster's red brick house, winds through the woods(shaded area) and back into a playground leading into the Stadium. Times tend to be much faster in mid-late October as the weather cools.
AAA will take the stage in the Boys race with top ranked Flowery Branch, North Hall and Oconee and the racing is sure to be hot. Pre-race favorites individually have to be defending 1A champ Colin Bishoff and new teamate Joshua Jenkins of ACS. North Hall has their own dynamic duo in Cody Barger and Ty McCormack. Maurice Riden of FB is the top Falcon from 08' and has a strong, tight pack following him. ACS as a team though could break into the top 3 with a strong run by frosh Josiah Jenkins.