By Rob Davis ’85
Fall 1962. It must have been a magic moment. Bruce Burch, legendary teacher and personality standing up in assembly inviting or rather challenging boys to come out for the new sport at Darlington ... cross country. Surely the boys had heard about the sport. America was the Empire of Distance Running. American distance runners would rule the Olympics for the next two decades. Those who knew Bruce Burch can no doubt see him in their mind’s eye pontificating about the virtues of running and competing. Nine years later the team would win its first Region championship in 1971. For the next 30 years, combined with the talents of Darlington’s women, the cross country teams would win 23 region titles and eight state championships, only because of the unique vision and determination of one.
Fall 2002. Darlington Cross Country celebrates its 40th anniversary. Led by captains, Patrick King ’02, Brightman Thomas ’03, Courtney Williams ’02, and Kirby Cross ’02, this year’s teams are seeking to add their unique mark to the tradition of excellence that was Burch’s vision. Working together with team captains to put together the team’s best season ever are seniors Paul Kountz, Andrew Lawrence, Russell Evans, Mark Mooring, and Collins Davison.
The season unofficially opened up with the traditional 24-hour relay that started at 7 a.m., Thursday Aug. 15, and ended on Aug. 16 at 7 a.m. It was a fun, if not tedious, team building exercise. Through the course of the day and night the team logged 192 miles. The opportunity provided all the team members with a chance to get to know new team members such as freshman Schell Hufstetler, Fatema Bandukwala, Clark Coleman McGehee, Michael Davis, as well as senior Rachel Wiggins. Also logging miles in the 24-hour relay were perennial favorites Nathan Sumner, Alex Gonzalez, Kristi Buice, Sarah Fox, Benji White, and Lydie White. The event provided a great opportunity to welcome and get to know new coaches Jason Yelton and Shana Pardue (97) as well.
The season officially opened with a two-mile exhibition meet held on Aug. 27 against Cartersville, 2001 region and state champions; Walker, new to the region and fifth in the state; and teams from Whitfield and Haralson County. The races start and end on the track at Chris Hunter Stadium. September 7 is the first true test with the teams competing in the oldest meet (and one of the biggest meets) in the state, the Berry/Darlington Cross Country Invitational to be held at Berry College, Rome, Ga.
