MS Cross Country Runners Earn Third

The Jasper County Middle School Cross-Country teams competed in the 2024 GMC Bulldog Dash in Milledgeville last week at a course, Council Farms, not new to them.

The boys team was led by sixth place overall finisher seventh grader Tristan Campbell, of 193 runners. Other team members that helped seal sixth place for the Canes, out of 16 local teams, were Luke Vance, Kye Ettinger, Jacob Smallwood, and Luke Brimberry.

The top five boys from the team earn the points, with the objective of earning the lowest amount of points, similar to how golf is scored. The Canes had a team total of 155 points, and were close behind fifth place team Westfield, who had a team total of 151 points. In fourth place were ACE Charter, who had a team total of 145 points. The boys are working hard this week to battle again at the Hornet Hustle.

The girls team came out fast, and were able to secure third place overall as a team out of 16 teams. This is extremely impressive, especially with four of the top five being new to cross-country this season.

The middle school girls were led by 11th place overall finisher eighth grader Kristina Hamblin, and seventh grader and 14th overall finisher Chloe Lackey, out of 172.

.Seasoned runner and three-time cross-country runner Sarah-Kait Kelly, took 30th overall and was third in team points. Aylin Sanchez came in fourth and sixth grader Jaelyn Childers came in fifth sealing the team points for Jasper.

The Canes are led by Head Coach Kristen West, who alongside assistant coaches, are leading these Canes to numerous victories and countless personal victories. Assistants include Betony Bennett, Bill Kissel, Ashaleeyia Finch, and Coach B.