AAA State Preview

AAA GHSA State Meet Preview       by Claude Spinks

The goal of every team should be to run their best on the first Saturday of November. Some teams are gaining momentum heading into the state meet while others appear to be limping into the meet. First up, the girls

There does not appear to be any single overwhelming favorite among the girl’s teams. However, week in and week out three teams have been near the top. Columbus runs down south and we normally don’t see much of them until the state meet where they always run well. North Hall has been outstanding all season. St. Pius seemed to have a mid-season dip but has run very strong the last 3 weeks. Any of these three teams could win it all. Other teams contending for podium spots (in no particular order) include Allatoona, West Hall, Heritage – Catoosa and Chestatee. Teams that are a threat to climb into the top 10 at the state meet include Spalding, Grady, Oconee, Dalton and Woodward Academy.

            The girl’s individual race is one of the most wide open races in the entire state. No girl has put herself so far out that they don’t appear to be vulnerable. Some girls in the mix include Erika Taylor, Savannah Smith, Ryan Sherry, Ansley Lawson Devon Dabney Anna Leigh Nix andVictoria Rogers. However, two runners who appear to be running very well right now and are the favorites are Erin Osmet of St. Pius and Jessie Dotson of White County. A dark horse contender is Jenna Wesley of Spalding.

Unlike the girl’s team race, there is a single favorite boys team – St. Pius. They have front runners, depth and a fast pack. Everyone else seems to be running for second. Several teams are battling for the next 3 podium spots. Teams running well right now include Woodward Academy, North Hall,West Hall, Riverwood, Washington County and Allatoona. Any of these teams could podium and if Eagle’s Landing can overcome late season troubles they may be a factor as well. Other teams looking to make an impact and finish in the top 10 include Oconee, Columbus, Gainsville, Grady and Pickens County.

The boy’s individual race looks to be one of the highlights of the state meet. Brendan Hoban of St. Pius has beaten all the major AAA contenders but some of the races have been close affairs. Look for Cody Barger and Zack Sims to challenge Hoban and NEVER count out last year’s champion, Nathen Vassey, who ran one of  the best races at the ‘new” Carrollton course. Others looking to get into the top 10 mix include Josh Pendley, Adam Jones, Austin Sprague, Jacob Mobbs and Zane Coburn. Another runner to keep an eye on is Justin Weaver of Pickens. He seems to run his best at the end of the season.