A Public XC Preview

Robert Sherwood

                                                                       (by Robert Sherwood)

The 2018 Boys Cross Country season for A-Public should looks to be a two team race, with GMC Prep boys going for their third consecutive title.  The Bulldogs not only lost Aaron Kirkland, the defending state champion to graduation, but the Kauzlarich brothers, Jacob and Garrett as their family moved to Florida.  The team will be led by 4 year varsity runners Seniors Taylor Sherwood, Dylan Smith, Ethan Yopp and Logan Steinmeyer.  Sophomore Colin McCabe round out the 5 returning runners to the team. 

Gordon Lee, led by Jasper Wilson, will challenge hard for the team individual title.  The team returns six of their seven runners from last year, and all three who finished in the top ten at the State Championship.  Wilson will look to improve his place on the individual side as he was 3rdas a Sophomore, 2nd as a Junior, and he hopes to take the top spot in his Senior season. 

Claxton returns six of their runners, led by Sophomore Salvador Martinez.  Commerce is the team that may surprise many as they return six runners as well, but add some good your distance runners from their track program.  If Greene Co can get some more help for Leo Lopez, last season's 3rd place finisher as a Freshman, they could also be a strong contender.  

Other schools that could break onto the podium would be Seminole County, Trion, and Schley County.

Individuals that could challenge for the top five would include the Gordon Lee duo of Jasper Wilson and Ian Goodwin.  GMC Preps Colin McCabe, Leo Lopez of Greene County and Bryce Murkerson all have a chance of being in the top 5.

The fun thing about A-Public is that there is always so much unknown during the season on individuals and teams.  It is possible that some unheralded runner or team, such as Telfair Co did last season, could have raced under the radar all season, only to emerge very strong. 

Girls-

The 2018 Girls Cross Country season for A-Public should be a three team race for the top of the podium in November.  Last year's champion, Telfair County returns six of their top seven runners, including now Sophomore Shayla Cook who finished in 2nd place at the State Championships and Paige White who finished 12th.  They have the depth to make another run at the state title, the challenge is, from a reporting standpoint, they do not run in many races whose times are known. 

Gracie O'Neal of Gordon Lee, the individual state title winner, looks to lead her team to the elusive team state title.  She won the individual race by two min last November and looks prime to take the title again.  The team returns five of their top seven from last season where they put all seven of their runners in the top 33 at the state championship. 

Atlanta Classical Academy is the third team that appears to be chasing for the state championship. The school will have a senior class for the first time this year and is anticipated to return all seven of their top runners.  They had a 1:05 spread at the State Championship last fall.  If the girls can continue to progress they could contend. 

Other schools that could break onto the podium would be Hawkinsville, Trion, ACE Charter, GMC, and Baconton Charter.

Individuals that could challenge for the top five would include the defending state champion, Gracie O'Neal of Gordon Lee, Maya Wynn of Furlow Charter, Macy Williams of Seminole County, Shayla Cook of Telfair County, and Katelyn Taylor of Ace Charter.

The fun thing about A-Public is that there is always so much unknown during the season on individuals and teams.  It is possible that some unheralded runner or team, such as Telfair Co did last season, could have raced under the radar all season, only to emerge very strong.