Congratulations to the Wildcat Cross Country Teams for outstanding races this past weekend at the Region 7-AAAAAAA Championships at Tribble Mill Park. Yes – count them 7 A’s – A new region and a new classification. To say the Wildcats were underdogs (or would that be undercats?) would be a total understatement. But the team was ready and willing to accept the challenge of the competition.
The day started off in the pitch dark with fog creeping over the lake, as the Wildcats sniffed out the new course and the new competition. The sun rose over the horizon, and the Open Races took off in blazing fashion. Danielle A raced to 2nd place, Mia W took 4th, Olivia B in 7th and Annie Q in 8th. Yes – that is not a typo – Four Dunwoody Runners in the Top 10!!! The Boys quad of Richard R, Cameron T, Jaxon J, and Kelvin R finished 23, 24, 25, and 36 putting out some of their best races of the season! Alumni Chelsea E and Anna M were seen cheering on the runners.
The course was now heated up for the Varsity races. The girls were up first. Freshman Claire S led the Wildcat pack and the entire field finishing first overall and being crowned the Individual Region Champion! Junior Kate B was not far behind finishing 5th overall. Emma T, Cici R, Ahna L, Lucy N, and Emma P made sure to keep the pack tight finishing 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 overall. This led to a team score of 49 and a third-place finish – qualifying the girls team for the state meet. A crazy small 3 points separated 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in one of closest Region finishes ever seen! What a race!
The boys races were just as fast and just as close. Junior Ethan A led the pack with an 8th place finish. In some of their best races of the season, every single runner gave it their all and had nothing left at the finish line. Michael M, Mark W, Julian S, Wade P, Ryan A, and Jack W rounded out the pack to score for the Wildcats. In another tightly contested race, the boys team finished 5th overall. Wow! What a race! Congratulations on a fantastic season and be sure to start sharpening your claws for next season, as the boys team won’t graduate any runners this year.
Speaking of seniors, the Coaches would like to thank Emma T, Cici R, Madison W, Ahna L, Mia W, and Danielle A for all your dedication, energy, and smiles that you’ve put into DHS XC. You are the heart of this team, and the reason behind its success. Remember – Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!!
Thank you to all the parents for your patience and flexibility this season. We truly are lucky to be one Wildcat Family, and the coaches can’t thank you enough for all your support!
Off to Carrollton -
Go Wildcats!