The GMC boys and girls cross country teams traveled to Carrollton earlier this month to compete in the GHSA State Championship.
The boys’ team consisted of Aaron Kirkland, Colin McCabe, Jacob Kauzlarich, Ethan Yopp, Taylor Sherwood, Dylan Smith and Michael Barnes. As the defending state champions the pressure was on to the Bulldogs to defend their title. Pre-race discussion had focused on two schools, Gordon-Lee and Atkinson County, as a potential to unseat GMC as champion. In addition, senior Aaron Kirkland finished second in 2016, but had his sights set on the individual state championship. The course is a two-lap race, and is considered one of the most difficult courses in the state of Georgia. Kirkland and Jasper Wilson, from Gordon-Lee, were neck and neck for the first half of the race, then Kirkland accelerated and distanced himself. Kirkland eventually won the race by an astounding 42 seconds finishing with a time of 17:47. The team followed Aaron to take the team state championship. Jacob Kauzlarich placed sixth, Ethan Yopp 12th, Taylor Sherwood 13th, Michael Barnes 22nd, and Dylan Smith 41st. . The team won the team title by 47 points.
Colin McCabe did not finish the race, but was in fourth overall at the end of the first lap. He was unable to finish the race, but the depth of the GMC boys’ team was evident as the rest of the team stepped up and emerged as champions.
Speaking about his career-capping victory Kirkland said, “I am so happy that I got to compete at the state championships with an awesome team. It was a great feeling to come through with people cheering and congratulating me. I just want to thank my family, coaches and my team for how hard they have pushed me and motivated me to be the runner I am today.”
The girls team finished in 11th place in their first time competing at the GHSA State Championships in the past four years. Senior Allie Kauzlarich led the way with a 18th place finish. She was followed by Mattison Strom in 44th place, Hailey Wilkinson 53rd, Emilie Sherwood 65th, Mary Jones in 87th and Emily Arp in 90th. The girls team had a great season that culminated with winning the county championship and finishing third in the Area championships.
“This has been an incredible season, and I am so proud of the boys team, not only for defending their state title but for all of their hard work this season,” explained Coach Debbie Barsby. “Aside from GHSA Single A state champion, Aaron Kirkland, whom I am very proud of for his accomplishment, this team was more than an individual effort. They worked together so well and push each other to make the team stronger. It was an honor working with this group of boys because they were so competitive and such a tight knit group of friends.”
Assistant coach Rob Sherwood added, “What a great experience to help coach both the boys and girls teams this year. They have both worked hard and grown so much. These are some great kids.”
Read Again http://www.unionrecorder.com/sports/gmc-prep-boys-xc-earn-second-straight-state-title/article_d6684a68-cbcc-11e7-91bd-57275bf28c9d.htmlBagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "GMC Prep boys XC earn second straight state title"
Post a Comment