Gainesville’s first-ever Bulldog Classic cross country meet is huge success
Photos by Karla Smith Gainesville cross country team members raked in the medals at the first annual Gainesville Bulldog Classic meet held Friday, Sept. 15. Team members are, from left, (front row) Lauren Smith, Lakyn Suter, Isabelle Workman, Jessica Suit, Annabell Snelson, Peyton Eslinger, Hunter Smart, Brodie Cooper, Finn Wade, Nina Sponugle, Raine Similkier; (middle row) Aiden Thome, Lillian Hejak, Archer Luna, Alyssa Smith; Kaitlyn Kahl, Twyla Parkerson, Moxie Similkier, assistant coach David Murphy; (back row) head coach Gary Emrick, Alex Easley, Isaac Pippin, Macray Hambelton, Zeke Yarger, Nick Goodson, Ryder Murphy, Aaron Kahl, Lyle Pippin, John Botts-Papke and Brady Myers.
A crowd of parents, volunteers and community members were on hand to watch runners from six schools compete in the first annual Gainesville Bulldog Classic cross country race Friday, Sept. 15. “It was a great success,” said GHS head coach Gary Emrick. “We want to thank everyone who helped make this a day to remember. So many people pitched in to make this happen – our district administration and staff, parents, local businesses, community members and our awesome students. We are looking forward to bringing this event back for many years to come. We also want to thank the schools that brought their student athletes to take on this challenging course.”
Six schools competed at the meet: Bakersfield, Dora, Gainesville, Hartville, Conway and Fordland. Gainesville’s varsity boys team ran away with the first place hardware. They were led by medalists Ryder Murphy, third place, 21:03.70; Brady Myers, fifth place, 21:22.74; Archer Luna, ninth place, 21:36.46; Macray Hambelton, 10th place, 21:38.54; Lyle Pippin, 11th place, 21:45.05; John Botts-Papcke, 13th place, 21:55.02; and Aaron Kahl, 14th place, 21:55.91. “This team has bought into the vision and is starting to believe and understand just how good they can be,” said assistant coach David Murphy.
The varsity girls placed third and were led by medalists Kaitlyn Kahl, third place in 25:07; and Alyssa Smith, 15th place.
Gainesville’s middle school boys were led by medalists Aiden Thome, first place, and Alex Easley, 11th place.
The middle school girls continued their streak of first place wins as a team in the 2500m race. They were led by medalists Jessica Suit, first place; Annabell Snelson, second place; Peyton Eslinger, fourth place; Moxie Similkier, fifth place; Isabelle Workman, sixth place; Nina Sponugle, seventh place; Raine Similkier, ninth place, Sierra Jarvis, 11th place; Twyla Parkerson, 12th place; and Morgan Rogers, 13th place.
Gainesville’s Brodie Cooper took first place in the elementary race, followed by Finn Wade in second and Hunter Smart in fourth.
“It was an amazing day for everyone involved,” Emrick said.
The cross country team traveled to Ava Tuesday, Sept. 19. Results of that meet were unavailable at press time.