Path to The Podium: East Jackson Boys Win AA State Title

Path to the Podium-East Jackson Boys

Everyone sees the picture of a team on the podium, with huge smiles and the trophy in hand. What people don't see is the behind the scenes events that led to a spectacular achievement. In this article, East Jackson coaches Chase Kennedy and Tomy Sitton describe what it took for their boys to earn the State Championship trophy in Class AA. 

Coach Chase Kennedy: 

XC 2023

• any seniors that set a good example or laid the foundation? 

• Hayden Hodges has been the cornerstone of this team for the past three years, consistently setting the tone and leading by example. From the moment he stepped into the leadership role his sophomore year, he demonstrated a level of commitment and drive that was unmatched. His remarkable achievement of placing 4th at state in cross country not only showcased his personal athleticism but also solidified his position as a leader within the team. Hayden became the anchor that held the team together, ensuring that everyone stayed focused and committed to the high expectations that I-and many others-believed were well within our reach. His leadership, both on and off the field, has been instrumental in pushing the team to reach new heights and maintain a level of excellence that we continue to strive for.

• any results that gave motivation (good or bad) 

After the meet at Jefferson, it was clear that we weren't trending in the direction we had hoped. However, I knew it was important to address the situation and remind the team that we were doing many things right. We needed to refocus and intensify our efforts, ensuring that every detail of our training and mindset was aligned with our goal of being ready for State. I made it clear that the rest of the year would require even more dedication if we were to reach the level we needed to be at by the time State came around.

Then, after Sectionals, the boys were finally able to see all their hard work-from the summer training through to that point-pay off. It's incredibly challenging to show up every day for six months, maintaining both mental focus and the relentless drive to push toward victory. Yet, through their commitment and perseverance, they had proven to themselves that their efforts were not in vain. Winning Sectionals was a huge milestone, and it revealed to the team that winning State was not just a dream-it was a very real possibility. They had put in the work, and now, they were prepared to take on that next big challenge.

Winter 2023

• Anyone that stepped up their training with XC already in mind

We knew we had a real shot when the team was reclassified, and with that in mind, it was crucial for everyone to believe in that opportunity and start preparing well ahead of time. One of the key individuals who really gave us a fighting chance was Cade Brown. Over the offseason, Cade had been training with sprinters, as he had planned to focus on sprints during track season. However, after seeing his performance in cross country, I quickly realized that I needed to adapt his training to fit the high school cross country demands and get him fully integrated with his teammates. These were the individuals he would eventually go on to win State with, so it was essential to ensure he felt connected to the team.

Establishing those relationships before the summer training began was critical. It was about building trust and understanding between everyone, so each person fully bought into the vision of success. Every athlete needed to be committed not only to their own improvement but also to their teammates' growth, because everyone played a crucial role in making the dream of winning state a reality. This early preparation and team cohesion were vital in setting us up for success when the time came.

• mindset of the non-seniors 

We knew that this was the first real opportunity we had to win state since 2016, and the boys rose to the occasion. Throughout the winter, they showed up day in and day out, fully committed to putting in the work and understanding the importance of building a strong foundation for the upcoming track season. They embraced the grind, knowing that every step of their preparation was crucial to achieving our goals.

Many of the athletes were particularly excited about the 4x800m relay, and they dedicated themselves to that event with everything they had. Their hard work paid off when they finished 8th at state, a remarkable achievement that showcased their commitment and preparation. It wasn't just about running fast; it was about executing every part of their training with precision and understanding how it all fit together to build success. That relay finish was a testament to the team's focus and determination, and it served as a powerful reminder of what they were capable of when they worked together.

• any setbacks/challenges that had to be overcome? 

The winter training went exceptionally well, and we didn't experience any setbacks. The team remained consistent, focused, and determined throughout the offseason, which allowed them to come into the season in peak condition, ready to tackle their track goals. By the time the track season began, they had laid a solid foundation that would carry them through the challenges ahead. With everything going smoothly during the winter, they were able to fully focus on their track ambitions without worrying about any major obstacles. This strong start not only set them up for success in track but also put them in an ideal position to focus on the bigger picture in cross country as the season progressed.

Track 2024

• anyone that had a breakout season, or new additions, that changed the outlook of XC

As I mentioned earlier, we had a unique situation with a kid who had been in 8th grade the year before but jumped straight into the varsity-level training with the rest of the team. He adapted to it remarkably quickly, impressing everyone by running a 5:07 mile as an 8th grader and delivering a solid 2:16 split in the 4x800m relay. His performance was exceptional for his age, and it became clear that he was going to be a game-changer for the team.

It was evident that he would play a pivotal role when he moved up to the varsity team for cross country as a freshman. His performance had the potential to make or break the team's success. With his talent and work ethic, we knew that he would be a key factor in our journey toward State, adding depth to the team and further elevating the overall competition level. His presence added a new dynamic that would push everyone to raise their game. 

• anyone that was already expected to contribute, but still had a good season

Hayden Hodges was set to return as the top runner for our cross country team, and he carried a lot of momentum from an outstanding junior year in track. Despite battling sickness and a calf injury throughout the track season, Hayden displayed incredible resilience. After only a month and a half of training, he managed to run a 4:35 mile, showcasing his immense talent and determination. But his biggest achievement came in the 800m at state, where he fought through adversity and finished 4th with a time of 1:58.03, setting a new school record.

In addition to his individual success, Hayden played a crucial role in the 4x800m relay at State. He was the fastest leg on the team, delivering a performance that helped secure a final podium spot for us. His achievements not only highlighted his physical capabilities but also underscored his leadership and determination. Hayden's perseverance and leadership were a driving force for the team, and he was poised to be a key player in our quest for success in cross country.

• any setbacks/challenges that had to be overcome? \

Hayden Hodges faced significant challenges during the track season, starting with an illness that set him back at the beginning. After recovering, he faced another setback with a calf injury that sidelined him for another week. Despite these hurdles, Hayden's work ethic and determination never wavered. He put in the effort to train diligently and recover as quickly as possible. His perseverance paid off as he made an incredible comeback, having a phenomenal track season. Not only did he overcome adversity, but he also set a new school record in the 800m, further demonstrating his resilience and commitment to excellence. His ability to bounce back from these setbacks and perform at such a high level was a testament to his character and drive.

Summer 2024

• any new additions that changed the outlook for XC

We didn't bring in anyone new over the summer, but we entered the season with a solid core of guys we knew were going to contribute significantly to the team's performance and our opportunity to achieve a State title. The group we had was talented, dedicated, and fully invested in the goal ahead. Each athlete understood their role, and there was a collective belief that, with the right preparation and effort, we had everything we needed to compete at the highest level. It was a group that, despite not adding new members, was more than capable of achieving greatness, and we knew our success would come from the hard work and chemistry we had built together.

• early goals for the season 

One of our key goals was to get everyone running in the 18s or faster as quickly as possible. I knew that in order to perform well at state, we needed to be capable of running in the 18s at Carrollton, which is a significantly different challenge than running fast times at some of the fast, flat courses we had raced on earlier in the season. The terrain at Carrollton, with its hills and tough conditions, demanded a different kind of preparation.

To achieve this, we were intentional about every aspect of our training. We didn't just focus on speed; we made sure our workouts were tailored specifically to build strength for the hills and the mental toughness required for Carrollton's unique challenges. By focusing on these elements, we knew we'd be better prepared to handle the physical and mental demands of the state course. Every practice and every run was designed to ensure that when it came time for state, our team was not only fast but also equipped to tackle whatever obstacles came our way.

• how the team handled summer training

This summer marked a significant turning point for the team, as it was the first time they had a structured training plan to follow consistently day in and day out. For many of the boys, it was also their first introduction to long runs, which became a crucial part of building their endurance and mental toughness. Throughout the summer, they experienced the challenges of gradually increasing their mileage in some weeks, while in other weeks, we ramped up the intensity of our workouts to build strength and resilience.

By the end of the summer, we had built a solid foundation of physical and mental strength. This preparation helped the boys weather the adversity and the inevitable ups and downs of the season. The structured plan not only improved their fitness levels but also helped them develop the discipline and determination needed to push through tough moments, ensuring they were ready for the challenges that lay ahead.

• any setbacks/challenges that had to be overcome? 

Despite his injury, he remained an integral part of the team. His spirit, commitment, and leadership never wavered. He embodied the mentality we had fostered from day one-the mentality of pushing through adversity, supporting one another, and staying focused on the bigger picture. Even though he couldn't physically race, his influence and contributions were felt throughout the season, and he played a key role in helping the team stay united and focused on the ultimate goal: the state championship. His determination, both on and off the course, was a driving force for the team and a reminder of the sacrifices and resilience needed to achieve greatness.

Season 2024

• anyone that had a breakout season that changed the outlook

Cade Brown did an outstanding job stepping up as a freshman and managing the immense pressure of knowing that his performance would be crucial in helping the team achieve its ultimate goal of becoming State champions. He finished 8th at state individually and was our number 2 runner, showcasing his maturity and composure under pressure. Along with the two juniors, Michael Kelleher and Collin Ramsey, Cade formed a strong core of runners who figured out early on how to race in a tight pack. They trained together in every workout, which paid off in races as they learned the power of running grouped up. This strategy became a game-changer, as it is incredibly difficult to beat a team that can stack its 2nd through 4th runners together, which posed a serious threat to any competition looking at our team results.

Our 5th runner, Griffin McDaniel, faced a different set of challenges. Initially unsure about his plans to run this year, he didn't train during the summer. However, once the season began, he put in more work than anyone else, determined not to let the team down. His commitment to getting to the level he needed to be at, despite the lack of summer preparation, was a testament to his resilience and selflessness. Griffin's determination and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most were crucial to the team's success. He wasn't going to be the reason we fell short, and, as always in his running career, he brought his best when it counted the most.

• how early results compared to any goals 

We didn't get a chance to compete against many of the schools we knew would be our main competition at State, so early season rankings didn't paint a promising picture. Based on those rankings, it didn't even look like we had a shot at winning, and at times, it seemed unlikely that we would even make it into the top 4. However, I made sure to remind the boys that rankings and early-season results can't be compared "apples to apples" in cross country. Each course is different-some can be fast and flat, while others are slow, hilly, or muddy. Those variables make it impossible to predict true performance across different courses.

We didn't let the rankings or early results get into our heads. Instead, we focused on what we could control: our races and our improvement week by week. The mentality was simple: trust the process, stay focused on our own growth, and peak when it mattered most. As we continued to improve and refine our strategies, we knew that our true test would come when it counted, and that's where we would show our strength. The key was staying patient, not letting external factors influence our mindset, and continuing to trust in the hard work we were putting in.

• any revisions of goals?

We never wavered from our goal: we wanted to win, and that remained our focus from the very beginning. Despite the challenges and the uncertainty early on, we stayed committed to that vision. We knew what each person's role on the team was from the start, and we made sure everyone understood their responsibility in the bigger picture. Every individual had a job to do, and we worked tirelessly to ensure that each person was prepared to execute that role when the time came.

Throughout the season, we kept improving, focusing on refining our strengths and addressing any weaknesses. By the time we reached state, we had built a team that was not only ready but confident in their ability to perform at the highest level. The dedication to our goal never faltered; we kept pushing, knowing that if we stayed focused and continued improving, we had everything we needed to achieve the state championship.

• any setbacks/challenges that had to be overcome?

My fifth runner faced a significant challenge this year. He hadn't run during the summer, so he went from being our number 3 runner last year to our number 5 this year, trying to play catch-up with the boys who had been training all summer. Despite this setback, he rose to the occasion in a remarkable way. He consistently delivered performances that were beyond what his fitness level might have suggested, driven by his determination not to be the reason we fell short. His heart, grit, and commitment were a key part of our success, and he played a crucial role in ensuring that we stayed on track for our state title.

Our number one runner, Hayden Hodges, also faced his own set of challenges. In mid-October, he missed nearly a week of training for fall break. When he returned, he was sluggish and behind, as anyone would be after taking time off during the season. However, Hayden used his experience and leadership to overcome this hurdle. He didn't let the setback define his season. By the time State rolled around, he had worked his way back to being one of the top runners. He made an incredible comeback, improving from 5th place at sectionals to 2nd place at state, beating everyone who had finished ahead of him at sectionals. His resilience, leadership, and ability to bounce back from adversity were key to our team's success, and he was a major force in securing the State title.

• in hindsight, key moments of the season that led to the State result

The less-than-ideal performances we experienced during the season, along with the way the team came together after those setbacks, were crucial in our journey to winning State. I constantly reminded the boys that this was an opportunity that millions of student-athletes across the country never get the chance to experience. It wasn't about winning or losing, but about making the most of the chance to be in contention for the title. The key was to stay focused on the process, improve each day, and embrace the privilege of being in the race for state champions.

As the season went on, the team bonded like never before, especially in the final month. They gave everything they had-not just for the goal of winning, but for each other, for their school, and for everyone who had supported them along the way. That sense of unity and commitment was a driving force in pushing them toward the ultimate goal.

Another key factor in our success was the phenomenal coaching staff we had. We were fortunate to have a team of coaches who made it easy for me to rely on them and who helped address all the different aspects of developing a successful team. Coach Sitton, in particular, played a pivotal role in my growth as both an athlete and a coach. His leadership and experience were invaluable, and his support in the lead-up to state was crucial. As a first-time state championship coach, I was nervous about making the right decisions, especially in that final week before State. Coach Sitton helped me keep things in perspective, reminding me not to overthink and to stick to what had worked all season. His guidance gave me the confidence to trust in the training we had built and to believe in the process we had established. Without his mentorship, I wouldn't have felt as secure in the preparations we had made for the team.

Coach Tomy Sitton: 

Both Chase and Chandler Kennedy were two of the best athletes I have ever coached over the last 40 plus years. I feel when I coached them that I was mentoring them as both athletes and coaches for  the future.  They know the x's and o's of cross country and track. I am the head of the East Jackson Cross Country and Track program, but Chase did a masterful job with the high school boys this year. I feel I have one of the best staffs in the state. We work together, and each person does their job whether it is training or setting up for one of the many meets we run off every year.  I feel both Chase and Chandler Kennedy will be part of hopefully many more Region and State titles.