CROSS COUNTRY: GHS Bulldogs run at Willow Springs meet
Photo/Gainesville R-V School Members of the Gainesville High School Bulldogs cross country team competed in the Steve Waggoner Invitational at Willow Springs on Thursday, Sept. 11, where the Lady Bulldogs team took second place led by medalists Jessica Suit, Kaitlyn Kahl, Annabell Snelson and Sarah Klessig. Pictured, from left, Macray Hambelton, Zeke Yarger, Faith Avila in front with Sierra Jarvis on her back, Isabelle Workman, Kaitlyn Kahl, Sarah Klessig, Annabell Snelson, Moxie Similkier, Archer Luna, Jessica Suit, Danny Mason, Damion Goss, Zyler Rowland, Ashton Young, Rachyl McGinnis, Zaiden Rodrigue, Nina Sponaugle, Orion Bradley, Jazlyn Wittkofsk, Kyden Myers and Cayden Emrick.
The Gainesville Bulldogs cross country teams traveled to Willow Springs Thursday, Sept. 11 for the Steve Waggoner Invitational, lining up against 25 schools from all classes. Despite the scorching heat, GHS coaches Gary Emrick and David Murphy said the student-athletes showed a high level of heart and grit. “Before the races, the team talked about slaying dragons—and that’s precisely what they did,” the coaches said in a Facebook post following the meet. “They took on the challenge with gratitude, confidence and resilience.”
The girls varsity battled hard and brought home a second-place finish in the Class 1 and 2 division. They were led by medalists Jessica Suit, Kaitlyn Kahl, Annabell Snelson and Sarah Klessig. The boys varsity finished sixth in the Class 1 and 2 division, with Archer Luna leading the charge as a medalist. He was followed by a team that is unwavering in its determination to rise to the top.
“The junior varsity boys and girls ran hard and showed a determination and desire to move up to the next level, and it was noticed,” the coaches said in the post. “From new runners to the sport, freshmen who are still adjusting to the high school distance, to the seasoned veterans on the team – every student-athlete played their role and raced with courage. From the top to the bottom, each runner pushed their bodies past the point of exhaustion and gave every ounce of effort they had to finish strong and earn team points. Coaches will always, always love that type of attitude. This was a good day for the Bulldogs.”