HS Cane Cross Country Wins
Constant rain didn’t dampen the spirits of Jasper County’s harriers, as the Hurricane Crosss Country team, led by sophomore Kevin Kitchens, defeated Putnam 35-20 in Eatonton.
Kitchens’ time of 18:47 was strong enough to secure the individual first place win in the varsity boys 5000m race. It was his first overall win of the season and a new season PR (personal record).
Other top finishes for the boys team included Crescencio Perez (19:01), Robert Womack (19:35), Denzel Sands (20:09), and Matthew Lawson (22:57).
In the varsity girls 5000m race, the Lady Canes gave their strongest overall performance yet this year, falling behind Putnam’s War Eagles by just two points for a 19-17 defeat.
Notably, sophomores Alina Jablonski (20:51) and Ariel Nichols (26:44) ran their fastest times of the season, with Jablonski earning the individual first place for girls. Nichols was followed by Starr Caldwell (33:45) and Riley Burton (33:46), who gave solid personal performances.
Coach Andy Rewis acknowledges the team’s achievements but notes that they still have work to do.
“We have a ways to go,” he said, “but I thought we showed improvement.”
The Cross Country Canes travel next to Forsyth to face Georgia class AAAA Mary Persons High School.