Path to the Podium - Jones County Boys
What exactly did it take for a team to arrive at the moment where they are standing on the podium, clutching their prized trophy? In this article, Jones County coach Geoffrey Moore details the journey his boys took to their 3rd place finish in Class AAAA.
XC 2024
Any seniors that set a good example or laid the foundation?
This group of boys has been together since sixth grade. They've run track, cross country, and indoor together. They go to practice together, go camping together-they do everything together. That bond and commitment laid the foundation for what was to come.
Any results that gave motivation (good or bad)?
The Bob Blastow Invitational Championship Race in 2024 was a turning point. That was the first major Georgia invitational we won, and it showed the boys what they were capable of.
On the setback side, our number two runner suffered a major hip injury and was out for the rest of the season. But our number eight or nine runner stepped up all the way to number three and really came through. He's been running great ever since.
Winter 2024
Anyone that stepped up their training with XC already in mind?
After cross country, they only took two weeks off before starting track training-the first time they'd ever taken such a short break. That was a statement about their commitment to what they wanted to accomplish this year. They committed to Saturday long runs and started running three mornings a week on their own before school. Six days a week of training became the standard.
Mindset of the non-seniors?
Motivated to have a shot at the state title. Interestingly, by the time the non-seniors were sophomores, they were beating everybody else on the team. The talent coming up was exceptional.
Any setbacks/challenges that had to be overcome?
Because our juniors were so talented and training at an elite level, we lost some kids to attrition. Athletes who would normally come out for the team weren't able to keep up with the intensity of the workouts. We became very junior-heavy as a result.
Track 2025
Anyone that had a breakout season, or new additions, that changed the outlook of XC?
Two boys who had consistently been our seventh and eighth runners were really running fast during track. That set up expectations for a great cross country season in the fall.
Anyone that was already expected to contribute, but still had a good season?
Our top two guys had a good junior track season, but it wasn't exactly what they wanted. They used that as motivation heading into XC.
Any setbacks/challenges that had to be overcome?
The top two guys didn't have the track season they wanted. Also, the reclassification from 5A to 4A threw us off-we would have been on the podium for the 4x800 in 5A, but the 4A competition was much harder than expected. We qualified three guys in the 1600 and 3200 for state but didn't advance the way we'd hoped.
Summer 2025
Any new additions that changed the outlook for XC?
No new additions, but we did something different: we sent five of our top seven up to the North Georgia mountains for a month of training in June to get some altitude work in.
Early goals for the season?
With so many seniors on the team and the times we were averaging, we knew we'd be on the podium. The boys were motivated for a state championship.
How the team handled summer training?
We had a great summer and stayed relatively healthy. This group was more bought-in than the summer before-much better attendance. Even with people working, vacations, and the normal summer challenges, they still got their mileage in.
Any setbacks/challenges that had to be overcome?
A couple of injuries and the usual summer obstacles-work schedules, vacations, people getting busy. But overall, the commitment level was higher than it had ever been.
Season 2025
Anyone that had a breakout season that changed the outlook?
Sean and Clay both had breakout seasons that greatly impacted our results. Grady had a couple of great races too, though he dealt with some sickness. And having Gavin back at 100%-actually better than his best from last year-was huge.
How early results compared to any goals?
We set goals for every meet, and we hit every single one-except for State. Our goal was first place, but this was probably the hardest State meet in years.
Any revisions of goals?
The goals stayed the same all season. We met weekly to discuss team goals and individual goals, plus we held strategy sessions before each meet.
Any setbacks/challenges that had to be overcome?
We stayed relatively healthy. Some kids got a little sick here and there, but nothing major. Everyone ran hard when it counted. The early morning practices were stepped up during XC season, and I think we peaked at the right time.
In hindsight, key moments of the season that led to the State result?
Our 15:50 average at ASICS was a statement. The high finishes at invitationals built confidence. One key decision was only going to the biggest meets-we ran exactly five meets, every other week, instead of the usual six to eight. The training program was strict about not letting meets interfere with practices. That routine made a difference.