Teams from as far away as Rome and Macon will converge on the Calvin Center in Hampton for the 2nd Annual Decision Bridge Invitational on Saturday. The meet is hosted by Whitewater High School. Runners have the option of taking two different routes at the 2000 meter mark of the course which gives Decision Bridge its name. There will be strong teams and individuals from classes 1A through 5A at the meet which will help clarify Georgia High School Association Cross Country early season team rankings.
Eagle’s Landing and Union Grove from Henry County look to be the top teams on the men’s side. Eagle’s Landing has finished first in both the Luella Twilight meet and the highly competitive Bob Blastow Early Bird. Eagle’s Landing is currently ranked as Number 1 in class 3A. Union Grove was edged by two points at Luella and looks to turn the tables on Eagle’s Landing in Hampton. The Darlington School and Starrs Mill are also podium contenders. Senior Zach Sims from Eagle’s Landing finished first at both Luella and the Early Bird. He will be pressed by teammate Keanan Joiner, Union Grove’s Decosta Smith and Brandon Cromer, First Presbyterian Day School’s Chris Phillips and Gray Lindsay, and Darlington School’s Jesse Baker.
First Presbyterian Day School of Macon has the front running firepower to finish first on the women’s side. The Vikings last year finished 1st at the Georgia Independent School State Championships with an amazing twenty-five point score. Sophomore Grace Tinkey was first in the championship division at the Berry Clara Bowl with teammates Victoria Coppage (3rd) and Jessica Smith (25th) also impressing. Other candidates for top five finishes include Unions Grove’s Rayna Green and Darlington School’s Ansley McDurmon. First Presbyterian Day will be challenged in the team competition by the Darlington School and host Whitewater.