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The GCA Cougars traveled to Middle State Georgia University for the Hornet Hustle, last week, giving their young runners a taste of their state course. Leading the way with a 1st place finish, 15:34 course record, Junior Walker Elrod took charge from the beginning, while changing gears, on various parts of the course, enabling him to drop time efficiently. “The course record has not been broken in a few years and I predict it may be a few years before it’s broken again”, unless Elrod breaks his own record next XC season, stated Coach Heather Smith.

Leading the Lady Cougars was Sophmore Tatiana Smith with a 21:11 finish, placing 8th respectively, in a very competitive field. The Cougars followed instructions in getting out and avoiding the foot traffic in loose patches of dirt leading to the main trail and paid off with season bests. Other HS team members racing well are Freshman Henry Lee with 19:03,  Caellum Bush 20:10, Junior Abram Anderson 25:12, and Seniors Kate Poitevint and Sybil Lee with 26:02 and 26:18, respectively. Also racing in Macon were the GCA middle school runners, with full scoring teams. Perry Glenn and Margaret Chastain led with 10th and 24th place finishes. The MS Girls team placed 12th of 15 teams. The MS Boys team placed 13th of 17 teams. Both MS teams will be back at this course for MS State next month.

“We are starting the season well due to the depth of our team and leadership from Walker Elrod and Tatiana Smith challenging and encouraging our young runners. Having a few XC meets under our belts has enabled me to tweek areas of weaknesses. We are a young team with multi-sport students and I expect growth as the season progresses, as the other sports seasons end,” says Smith.