Pace Academy's girls are all smiles after winning the 2A team title.
As the rain began to slow down the 2A girls' race got underway and it was a slip and slide fest for many runners not used to racing in conditions like this. Throughout the season Pace, Bleckley and Lovett were 1, 2, 3 in the weekly team rankings. Would it play out this way at the conclusion of the race? Coosa's Sophia Cook crested the horseshoe hill first, with the top Lovett and Pace runners staying patient 15-20 meters back. You have to admire the guts of Cook as she still led the race beginning loop 2 with Tristen Crosby of Bleckley County and now Sydney Lamberson of Lovett within 'hailing distance' Pace also had at least three girls in the top 10 as well.
Caroline Hood led the charge for the Lady Knights placing 6th at 20:50.
Pace did not relent the remainder of the race as 2 girls earned All-State honors including Hood placing 6th and Hannah Vincent 8th overall at 21:20. Top runner, Laura Arenth had a tough outing but hung tough finishing 12th overall.
Sydney Lamberson of Lovett took the overall title at 20:08.
Lamberson of Lovett has been the best runner in Class 2A all season and concluded her GHSA cross country career in fine fashion, winning going away clocking a solid time of 20:08 leading the Lady Lions to a 2nd place team Podium spot (so much for the Podium this season) Sophomore Ellie Wildman had a strong race for Lovett finishing 4th overall at 20:39. Coach Mayer added this," Sydney's race was one of maturity and patience. This girl has had a tough time at state meets over the years, always capable of achieving more. Knowing her story and how hard she has worked over the years makes this so sweet. She is totally deserving of this title!"
Tristen Crosby (a soph) gave it her all earning overall runner-up honors going 20:22
The Lady Royals finished 3rd as a team 10 points behind Lovett. Bleckley County is very well-coached and prepared for State every November. Their girls owned 2A from 2016-2019 when ATL private schools were reassigned to other classes. Don't feel too sorry for them though. They only graduate 1 of their top 7, and joining the squad next Fall will be MS phenom, Ella Gibbs who set a new MS State course record of 12:03 on 10/17.
Sophia Cook from Coosa HS turned in a gritty performance.
One thing that can be said of Cook's race Saturday, against the private school giants and Bleckley County's best. Is she definitely 'went for it' and left it all out on the course finishing 3rd overall at 20:36. The Coosa freshman made a statement that she will be back and a contender to win titles for the next 3 years.
Ellie Wildman of Lovett School race to 4th overall.
Johna Bowman hung tough placing 5th overall at 20:47
Sophomore, Lizzie Wadsworth led Oglethorpe County to a 4th place team finish clocking a 21:04.
