Georgia Has Most Successful Outing Ever at NXN Regionals
Morgan Ilse of Marist punched her ticket to NXN Nationals placing 3rd Overall in 17:21
A few coaches remarked how their first experience at Nike, it was quite an event. leaving Nike with a very different and unique sense of the excitement. Probably something to do with seeing teams in tears, and large groups of parents and runners hugging and celebrating...Also having great Individual performances were Jack Henderson of Marietta (13th in 15:21) and Serena Tripodi of Lovett (11th in 17:57)
Serena Tripodi put on her 'dancing shoez' for NXN Regionals coming up big placing 11th Overall in 17:57
Reilly Friedman (pictured above) is without argument the top Male in Georgia even before making the trip to Cary to attempt Q'ing as an individual at Nike NXN Southeast Regionals which was created as primarily a 'team event' to counter Foot Locker which is an 'Individuals' event determining ultimately a 'National Champion'. Friedman had to wait out the team results compilation a few minutes, but fortune was on the Scot's side as his 6th place Overall in 15:03 made the grade moving onto Nationals in Portland, Oregon.
Marietta senior Jack Henderson left it all out on the course at NXN placing 13th in 15:21
Some may feel as if Marietta had a poor race, but they ran well as a pack from 2-7 with senior Jack Henderson letting it all hang out up front, and did it without Benson (a mystery remains why he did not run for La Familia) The Blue Devils could be even better in 2015 returning 5 of their top 7... Marist had a great showing placing a strong 5th behind seniors Ilse (3rd) and Caitie Faust (41st). The War Eagles will return a strong core in 2015 with Josie Wirtz and Kendall Nelson. Oh yeah, their State Championship MS Girls team should give them a few bullets as well.