High hopes, fast times, and a contagious team spirit. These are the characteristics of the 2000-2001 cross country teams that have led and will continue to lead the Tigers to a strong finish at the state meet in Carrolton, Nov. 4.
The girls’ first-place finish at the Rome City/ Floyd County Invitational demonstrated the same talent and team unity that has been part of their strategy for the past four years. Placing second, senior Lindsay Harbin crossed the finish with a time of 20:52. Following Harbin were sophomores Kirby Cross (21:29) and Courtney Williams (21:51), and senior Diana Beauford (22:42). The girls came in fourth at the Cass-Cartersville Invitational behind Harrison, Pope, and Dalton.
The teams’ ability to think strategically and holdfast to enthusiasm contributes to its success. “We’re looking forward to State and hope to run tightly together as a group,” Harbin said.
The boys’ record proves a season of strong improvement. Swiftly and confidently the Tigers raced to a solid victory at the GPS Invitational in Chattanooga. At the Cass-Cartersville Invitational senior Stephen Smith came in with an impressive 17:26. Senior Eli Montgomery (18:12), sophomores Ryan Somerville (18:37) and Patrick King (19:09), and freshman Brightman Thomas (18:49) also helped the Tigers secure an eleventh-place finish.
“We hope to reclaim the state title that the Tigers held in 1998,” Thomas said.
