Serena Tripodi trounced a strong group of Individual contenders.
Serena Tripodi of Lovett, left no doubts that she is the best female runner All Classes in the state for 2016. She took off early, and let a strong chase pack wear themselves out trying to keep pace. Tripodi's 18:17 was far and away the best performance of the GHSA Cross Country Championships. Word is, she has committed to a yet to be named Ivy League school next Fall.
Delaney Graham's runnerup finish for Westminster may well have been the key to a title.
As forecast, it was a super competitive State race betwixt defending Champ Westminster, and new to AAA, Lovett. Westminster held on for dear life, as it was nip and tuck thru 4 runners for each, crossing the mats. But, the Cats' #5, hung tough maintaining the lead for a mere 2 point margin of victory! Leading Westminster was Delaney Graham, having a great race placing 2nd overall at 18:49. Also making the All State squad were Victoria Flowers in 7th at 19:52 and frosh Katherine Vuckovic placing 8th in 19:54.
Payton Payne led Pace to a 3rd place team finish.
Lovett gave it their all Saturday, and have to be commended highly for pushing it to the brink. Tripodi added a point with her individual title, Emma Sidman was 9th overall at 20:00 and Haley Hooper made it very interesting (after a dnr at Region) taking 11th at 20:13. Pace ran strong taking 3rd as a team, led by Payton Payne's 10th place finish of 20:06. Hart County has a strong program for a rural AAA school, returning to the Podium 4th this Fall. In her final GHSA race, Audrey Honiotes had a great race placing 4th at 19:06. 15 points separated the next 3 squads, as Dawson County was 5th behind Frankie Muldoon's 6th place effort of 19:46. North Hall was 6th and Bremen 7th in the team standings. Rounding out the top 10 Individuals were Sue Ann Morales of East Jackson, 3rd at 18:56 and Grace Clements from Bremen, 5th at 19:42.
Sue Ann Morales raced to 3rd overall for East jack.
Audrey Honiotes once gain led Hart County to a Podium spot.
Grace Clements placed 5th overall for Bremen.
RACE ACTION