Josh Brickell
Peachtree Ridge
2013
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
5k: 15:24, Footlocker South
Tell us how your training is going?
This summer I focused on getting in a lot more miles than I had in the past. I've had no injuries and am feeling pretty good, so the summer has definitely been a success.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
This year our team is working for a team state championship, that is the number one goal. In addition, I want to make Footlocker Nationals and run sub 15.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I really started running consistently the summer before my freshman year. I was introduced to running by a middle school running club and a couple 10k's that I did for fun with my dad.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
We have a meet October 1st in Florida
Favorite course to run in Georgia?
I enjoy the course at UGA. The part where we go into the woods and how it’s on grass the whole way makes it feel like true cross country
Toughest course in Georgia?
The toughest course that I've run in Georgia is Wesleyan.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
Last year at state. I had put a lot of pressure on myself to win, and crossing the finish line was one of the best feelings I've ever experienced.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
Freshman year at Westover, it was my first "road trip" to a race, and I felt really lucky to get to run with the varsity guys in my first year.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I stay outdoors a lot, and I really enjoy hiking.
Favorite quote?
"When your endurance if fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything" - James 1:4
Morgan Malanoski
Brookwood
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
15:53.20 at Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Regional, Cary, NC, 11.27.10
Tell us how your training is going?
Our team has had a very successful summer training this year. We work hard every day all summer, taking care of the details and getting in those mile
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goal for the season is to win another team state championship. We have had great success in the last couple of years, but we are trying to stay focused and not take anything for granted. We have a great group of guys with a chance to do great things.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running my freshman year in high school. I originally signed up for cross country to get in shape for swimming which would get me in shape for baseball. Although I loved all three sports I found that cross country is where I want to be and I loved it in a way I can’t describe. So now I just run.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, we will be competing in the Great American in Cary, NC, and hopefully again in Cary for Nike SE Regionals.
Favorite course to run in Georgia?
The course at Berry College. It’s a big open cross country course where we run on grass throughout, with rolling hills, and I just like the way the course is laid out.
Toughest course in Georgia?
The toughest course I have run is at Little Mulberry Park. There are challenging hills throughout the course, especially the long uphill finish.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race is Great American in Cary, NC where we get to race teams from all over the country that we don’t know a whole lot about. It’s a challenging, but still fast course. And it’s always fun to go on a road-trip with the team.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
My favorite memory is at the 2010 State Championships, crossing the finish line and turning around and seeing lots of maroon and knowing we clinched the title. We worked hard all year as underdogs and coming out on top was a great feeling of success for the whole team.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I don’t have a lot of free time between school and running, but when I do have some time, I enjoy hanging out with the guys and doing all sorts of shenanigans.
Favorite quote?
"Pain tolerance is a learned skill." -Coach Ben Dehnke
Adam Jones
Columbus High School
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
15:29 at Westover Invitational
Tell us how your training is going?
It's going pretty good. I was a little slow in the beginning, but I've started to pick it up a lot. A running camp I went to really helped me in starting my intense training back up.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
In reality I just want to do the best I possibly can. I am very thankful to be running with such great guys in all of these races, so I'm just going to work as hard as I can to stay with them.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running my freshman year track season. I wasn't truly committed to it, though, until sophomore year track. So I've been runnning for about two and a half years.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes I will be competing out of state. Fortunately, Columbus is right on the edge of the Alabama-Georgia border, so it's quite convenient for us to go over to meets in Alabama.
Favorite course to run in Georgia?
Despite all the talk about it being short, Westover is my favorite course. I've ran it a few times and I cant detest and say that it's not short. The reason why everyone runs well there is because it's completely flat and the ground is very hard so it feels as if we're running on a track, and personally I like track more than cross country so it feels like home.
Toughest course in Georgia?
My favorite xc race so far would have to be the Southeast Showdown at Hoover, AL. I had never won a big meet at that point in my career, so I wasn't expecting to do anything spectacular but it ended up to where I won it.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite xc race so far would have to be the Southeast Showdown at Hoover, AL. I had never won a big meet at that point in my career, so I wasn't expecting to do anything spectacular but it ended up to where I won it.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
My favorite memory so far has to be seeing my grandmother after the Southeast Showdown. That was the first and probably last meet she will ever go to, and it was such an amazing thing for her to watch me win.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Outside of running I love to play any other sport and take part in church activities.
Favorite quote?
My favorite quote is my own: "Believe in your training and glorify God through it"
Josiah Jenkins
Athens Christian
2013
Sahara Fletcher
Westminster
2013
Lindy Long
Landmark Christian HS
2013
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
18:39 Carrolton State Course
Tell us how your training is going?
My summer training is going great! I ran at a summer program called Paavo. I would defiantly recommend this camp to all serious runners! From running up the Colorado Mountains, to running up Nebraska sandhills. It was defiantly a great experience!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for this seasons are to train as hard I can and have the best season of my running career so far!
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running in 6th grade. I was first a competitive gymnast, but running conflicted with gymnastic practice and I fell in love at my first race!
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Hopefully, when my team makes it to nationals.
Favorite course to run in Georgia?
My favorite course Is the Wesleyan course.
Toughest course in Georgia?
The toughest course to run in my state would defiantly be Carrollton, oddly enough the state course!
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race in my high school career was State my freshman year because i surprised myself and everyone else!
Favorite Cross Country memory?
My favorite cross country memory is when my team won our first meet of the season.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When I am not running my favorite thing to do is to play the harp.
Favorite quote?
“ No one said it would be easy, they only said it would be worth it”.
Jordan Humphrey
North Gwinnett
2012
Alex Cameron
Dunwoody HS
2014
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
18.55 at the 2010 State Meet
Tell us how your training is going?
I have had a very pleasant summer of training. I also competed in the Junior Olympic summer track series.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
For this upcoming season, I want to continue to do my best and improve from last year’s season. For my team, I want to help my team improve and improve as a team on our records from last year
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running cross country since 7th grade. The high school cross country coaches came over to my middle school and promoted the cross country team. They allowed me to practice with the team as a 7th grader, and the next year I was able to compete.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, I plan on going with my cross country team to the Citadel Invitational in South Carolina, and then to the Southeast Cross Country Showdown in Hoover, Alabama.
Favorite course to run in Georgia?
I can’t choose! I like every course I’ve run for different reasons.
Toughest course?
The Gulf Coast Stampede in Pensacola, Florida because the course was SO flat.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
The State meet last year because of how well my team did, and what a great experience it was for all of us.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
When my team won County Championships last year when no one was expecting it.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Doing things with my friends
Favorite quote?
“Some people don’t have the guts for distance racing. The polite term for them is sprinters.” -Anonymous
Grace Tinkey
First Presbyterian Day School
2013
Grace Tinkey has been a force in Georgia cross country and track. She is a two time Foot Locker National finalist and is one of the favorites this year to return back to San Diego and capture her 2nd GHSA State title this fall in cross country. MileSplit's Todd Grasley had a Q&A with Grace about her goals for this fall and her Foot Locker experience
Tell us how your training is going?
Summer time is the best time to build good base miles to get ready for cross country and also a time for your body to recover from the higher intensity track training. We normally run anywhere from 30-55miles a week, varying on how our training is going, and how we feel. Once a week we run a longer run which is always a fun time running with our running buds and trying to escape the heat which always seems to catch us every time. Near the end of summer after getting in our base miles we start doing some light quality workouts that wake up our fast twitch muscles that have had rest during the summer.
Link to Full Q & A article
Cameron Thornton
Whitefield Academy
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
Best 5K was 15:44 at ASICS Invitational
Tell us how your training is going?
I only had 2 weeks of summer XC practice because of summer track, so I haven’t really had any summer training.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Win another state championship and go under 15:10 for a 5K.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running track in 7th grade and I started cross country in 8th grade.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I don’t know if I will compete out of state or not. It depends on how the season goes.
Favorite course to run in Georgia?
My favorite course is either the ASICS course of the Our Lady of Mercy course because they are both fast.
Toughest course in Georgia?
Carrollton is the hardest course that I have run so far.
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
State last year has been my most favorite race because I surprised everybody.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Play basketball
Favorite quote?
“If a tie is like kissing your sister, losing is like kissing your grandmother with her teeth out.” –George Brett
Bailey Roth
Eagle's Landing HS
2014
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
16:29
Tell us how your training is going?
After nationals I took a good week off and have been training consistently since that time
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
To run my best and stay healthy
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
15 years, my dad
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes at Footlocker or at Nike
Favorite course to run in Georgia?
Mercer in Atlanta
Toughest course in Georgia?
Mercer in Atlanta
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My career is too new and I was sick so much of last season that there isn’t really one.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
When I won USA Coaches Nationals in 2010
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Riding motorcycles
Favorite quote?
"Consistency is the key to success"
Marcie Merriman
Lassiter HS
2013
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
18:29 Jesse Owens Invitational, Oakville, Al
Tell us how your training is going?
Training has been going very well.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
To best my PR (Break 18 minutes) personally and for our team to make it to state.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running since the 4th grade and I got started because I loved to run.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes attending the Will Wilson Invitational in South Carolina and the Jesse Owens Invitational in Alabama.
Favorite course to run in Georgia?
Cobb County Corps of Engineers course where the Cobb County meet is held.
Toughest course in Georgia?
The Covered Bridge Race put on by Roswell High School
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
Jesse Owens
Favorite Cross Country memory?
Going to Colorado over the summer with the other top 7 girls
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Hang out with friends
Favorite quote?
" Run Forrest Run"
Sarah Bowles
Lakeside HS
2013
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
5k- 18:31 at the Great American XC Festival
Tell us how your training is going?
My summer training went very well this year and I was able to build up a strong base for the season, as well as get used to the hot weather.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I would love to get my first state title and see my times improve a lot from last year.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running pretty much my whole life starting with fun runs that we had every year at my elementary school. My dad was a big factor in getting me started and really helped me fall in love with the sport.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I'll probably go to Footlocker Southeast Regionals.
Favorite course to run in Georgia?
The Coach Wood Invitational course in Gainesville, GA.
Toughest course in Georgia?
That would probably have to be Blanchard Woods Park, which is actually our home course. It has one hill thats over a quarter-mile long and a lot of other steep hills.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
The UGA invitational my freshman year. The entire course was so muddy that I barely ever took a step on hard ground. It felt like real cross country and it was actually pretty fun to run through all the mud and get dirty.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
When my team swept our region meet last year for our first perfect score ever.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Hang out with my friends
Favorite quote?
"Pain is temporary. Pride is forever."
Zane Coburn
Henry W. Grady HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
My best 5k time is 15:37, at the Asics Invitational
Tell us how your training is going?
My summer training is going really well. Ive been running around 60-70 miles a week to really build on my endurance and throwing in some tempos to keep my speed. But this summer I am having a lot of fun really seeing that my training is paying off so far, and hopefully I will have a big xc season!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
My goals for my senior season are: To run sub 15:20 5k and to win the state xc meet. I'd also love to qualify for the Footlocker national meet, with the perfect race I think that's possible.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since my sophomore year, and I've always loved to race and have always been super competitive, so it seemed to be the perfect fit.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, I will be going to the Footlocker South region meet in Charlotte, North Carolina
Favorite course to run in Georgia?
My favorite course has to be our state course. It isn't too flat and has some really challenging hills throughout. It really weeds out the true runners and makes for great races all the time.
Toughest course in Georgia?
The toughest course has to be the Mercer- Atlanta course, which hosts the " Altitude Invitational" and for good reason. It has mountain like hills and tough footing. It is for sure the most mentally challenging race I have ever run.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race so far has to be the Asics Invitational. I ran a huge PR and thats the race I really began to believe in myself and where I truly thought about the possibility of a state xc title.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
My favorite memory so far has to be placing 8th at state last year. Though it wasn't my best race, I had a blast racing some amazing guys who provided a lot of competition.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
When i'm not running I enjoy working on Habitat for Humanity houses and enjoying my last year in high schoo
Favorite quote?
" The race does'nt always go to the bigger man, it sometimes goes to the man who thinks he can."