Cross Country Team Does Well

Piedmont Academy’s cross country runners have been busy in recent days competing in two events.

Last Tuesday, Sept. 9, Piedmont competed at a meet hosted by Trinity Christian School.

In the Middle School race, Browning Benton finished 13th on the two-mile course out of 69 runners. Benton had a time of 15:00.00.

“That is very impressive for his first two-mile race,” said coach Tracy Brady.

Garrett King was 46th in that event in 18:17.

In the Middle School girls race, Mari Jablonski was second among 53 runners in 13:49 earning a medal.

“I am very proud of Mari,” said Brady. “She continues to improve her speed and stride. She runs with all her heart and will be competitive in coming years.”

Gracie Black was 32 in the Middle School girls race in 19:16.

“Gracie has a natural stride,” said her coach. “She just needs to continue working on her endurance and speed.”

Brady also praised Mallory Boyd, who was 37th in 20:03.

“Mallory is improving every day,” her coach said. “She just needs to work on endurance.”

In the varsity boys 3.3-mile course, Brice Dodson was 52nd among 83 runners, finishing the race in 26:58.

“Brice continues to improve every meet and has a natural stride for running,” Brady said. “The competition in the boys race was tough. The top three finishers set records at the state meet last year. It was fun to watch this race.”

In the varsity girls race, also a 3.3-mile course, Alina Jablonski medaled in 10th place in 26:05.

“Alina continues to improve after coming off a bout of bursitis in her knee,” Brady said. “I expect her times will continue to improve throughout the season as this injury heals. She still runs with all heart at every race. She is an amazing girl.”

Piedmont’s cross country runners also ran in a meet at Johnson Farms in Hawkinsville Saturday. The varsity runners competed on a one loop 3.3-mile course while the Middle School runners ran on a 1.75-mile loop course.

Dodson finish 44th among 67 runners for the varsity boys with a time of 27:23.99.

Alina Jablonski medaled by finishing eighth for the varsity girls in 26:10. There were 29 total runners in the varsity girls race.

King represented the Middle School boys and finished the race in 16:28, strong enough for 46th place.

For the Middle School girls, Mari Jablonski continued her standout season by finishing first out of 59 runners in 12:10.00.

“Mari ran an awesome race,” said Coach Brady. “She is doing great this season and works hard every day at practice.”

Black competed the race in 15:35 (26th overall) while teammate Boyd finished in 15:55 (29th).

“I am very proud of Gracie and Mallory,” Brady said. “They really stepped it up and both finished with improved time.”

The Piedmont cross country runners will venture back to Trinity Saturday.