Runners Compete on Tough Course

Piedmont Academy’s cross country runners faced tough competition last week as they traveled to a meet hosted by Mt. de Sales in Macon.

More than 20 schools were at the event, which featured 175 varsity boys runners and 124 varsity girls runners. Mack Brady was the top Piedmont runner in 22:14 followed by teammates Chris Coogler (25:42), Michael Edwards (25:52), Brice Dodson (26:59), Austin Bass (27:01) and Andrew Mitchell (27:35).

For the Lady Cougars, Bailyn Whitaker was the top runner for the varsity girls in 28:59 followed by teammates Bridgette Phillips (28:59), Savannah McGinnis (29:36), Lynne Marie Edwards (29:37) and Emmie Kelly (29:39).

“Overall, I was proud of all of my runners,” coach Traci Brady said. “The weather was rainy and the track was pretty slick, but our times were pretty good for those conditions.”

The JV girls were seventh overall as a team. A total of 114 runners competed in the race. Piedmont’s Alina Jablonski was 11th in 10:23 followed by Mari Jablonski in 10:59. Other top runners for the Piedmont JV girls included Emily Mills (12:07), Gracie Black (13:26) and Anne Marie Hildrebrant (13:50).

“These girls had their best times of the season,” Brady said.

Several of the JV boys also had their best times of 2013. There were 148 runners in the JV boys race. Piedmont was paced by Garrett King, who earned a top 50 finish in 11:10. Chase Tweedell finished the race in 11:40 followed by Mason Mize in 13:01.

Piedmont’s varsity runners will compete at the region meet October 17 at Berry College. The JV runners are set for their state meet, hosted by Stratford Academy in Macon, October 9.

“We will be practicing pretty hard these next few days in order to prepare for these races,” Brady said.