A Public Boys
The Team Race
The 2017 season has gone as planned for the top two team, Georgia Military College Prep and Gordon Lee. For the majority of the season these two teams have distanced themselves from the rest of the A (Public) pack. Gordon Lee's Jasper Wilson, and GMC's Aaron Kirkland should give everyone a great race to determine the individual State Champion, while both will lead their teams to what should be a great team race as well. Gordon Lee has a great top three and a tight 4-7. GMC matches with a great top three as well and a solid 4-7. As always, it will appear to be those last four runners, who will determine which team will stand on top of the podium as state champion. GMC is looking to repeat as champion and win their 4th title since 2012, while Gordon Lee is looking for their first state title in Cross County.
The other podium places are up for grabs. Atkinson County, Claxton, Baconton Charter, Greene and Terrell all appear to have chances to place. The only publicly known race was their Area Championship last week. Of the 16 schools represented in the boys' race, 5 of them did not run in Carrollton last year. This type of turnover, plus the unknown aspect of some of the team adds a certain air of mystery to the race and should make it a great last boys race for the weekend.
Top Individuals
As mentioned, the race for the individual title should come down to two runners, GMC's Aaron Kirkland and Gordon Lee's Jasper Wilson. Kirkland finished 2nd last year while Wilson finished 3rd last season. Both have been running solid races all season. I expect that they will run together and it could come down to Heartbreak Hill to finally see who will emerge as the champion. There are a group of runners that could fill out the top ten including Green Co's Leo Lopez, GMC Colin McCabe and Jacob Kaulzarich, Gordon Lee's Ian Goodwin and Jake Lee. Atkinson County has strong runners in Dawson Bussey and Diego Tinajero-Aguilar.
(October Races Only)
RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 16:50.22 | Gordon Lee High School | 2019 | |
2 | 16:56.00 | Georgia Military College Prep School | 2018 | |
3 | 17:39.54 | Gordon Lee High School | 2020 | |
4 | 17:43.86 | Greene Co. | 2021 | |
5 | 17:52.16 | Georgia Military College Prep School | 2021 | |
6 | 17:53.60 | Hawkinsville HS | 2020 | |
7 | 18:09.00 | Telfair County HS | 2019 | |
8 | 18:12.90 | Schley County High | 2018 | |
9 | 18:18.87 | Georgia Military College Prep School | 2020 | |
10 | 18:22.10 | Schley County High | 2021 | |
10 | 18:22.10 | Gordon Lee High School | 2021 | |
12 | 18:23.40 | Commerce | 2018 | |
13 | 18:24.74 | Seminole County HS | 2019 | |
14 | 18:25.00 | Atkinson County HS | 2019 | |
15 | 18:29.10 | Baconton Charter | 2021 |
A Public Girls
The Team Race
Towns County entered the season as the 5-time in a row state champion on the girls side. There was one point this season where they were only running 4 runners! They have since recovered and won their Area race and seemed primed to make a run at number six. Telfair County and Atlanta Classica Academy have had great seasons and are their respective Area Champions, but it appears that the State Championship is Gordon Lee's to lose. Sophomore Gracie O'Neal has had a remarkable season and should lead her team to a state title. Spots 2 - 4 could be any of the three other teams that were already mentioned. I think the slight nod would go to Telfair County for 2nd place, but do not count out Towns County. The final race of the Championship should be a fun one to watch and a fitting end to the two day running festival.
As on the boys side, there are a series of new schools competing at the state race this year. Atlanta Classical Academy leads the group of newcomers which also includes Woodville-Tompkins, GMC and Hawkinsville. With 25% of the field new to the course, expect the unexpected.
Top Individuals
The individual state title is Gracie O'Neal of Gordon Lee's to lose. She is the only girl in A (Public) to break 20:00 all season and ran a 18:19 at Ridge Ferry. The other top places will be a battle between Maya Wynn of Furlow Charter, their first State Championship runner, Macy Williams of Seminole County, and Katelyn Taylor of ACE Charter. Kate Massey of Commerce is lurking just behind this group and with her experience, the senior could finish off her career in style. Shayla Cook of Telfair Co, Sloan Grinstead of Hawkinsville are potential podium finishers as well.
(October Races Only)
RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 19:03.31 | Gordon Lee High School | 2020 | |
2 | 20:39.64 | Furlow Charter School | 2021 | |
3 | 20:45.71 | Seminole County HS | 2020 | |
4 | 20:51.33 | Telfair County HS | 2021 | |
5 | 20:56.01 | ACE Charter | 2021 | |
6 | 21:17.46 | Commerce | 2018 | |
7 | 21:23.52 | Telfair County HS | 2018 | |
8 | 21:38.43 | Telfair County HS | 2020 | |
9 | 21:53.52 | Hawkinsville HS | 2021 | |
10 | 21:54.20 | Seminole County HS | 2020 | |
11 | 22:01.98 | Jenkins Co. High School | 0 | |
12 | 22:18.05 | Commerce | 2018 | |
13 | 22:39.86 | Towns County HS | 2018 | |
14 | 22:50.83 | Drew Charter Senior Academy | 2020 | |
15 | 22:57.94 | Georgia Military College Prep School | 2018 |