GHS cross-country team in top 10
Greenbrier's cross country team has run a lot this summer leading up to the start of the fall season.
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Junior Bridget Lyons leads the girls team and finished 10th in the state as a
sophomore.
File Photo
As a matter of fact, they have run right into the state's top 10 all-classification rankings for the first time in school history.
"What a huge accomplishment for our program," said head coach Kati Smallwood. "We have been ranked before in 4-AAAA but never in the all-classification category."
The boys team checked in at sixth in the state, behind only two AAAA programs, Marist and Alexander.
Senior Tyler Warren was also ranked in the top 10, ranked fourth in all classifications.
"I don't think some people understand what an honor it is to be ranked in the top 10," Smallwood said. "He's great and deserves the recognition."
Warren, a school record holder in the 800 meters, is hardly the only standout runner of the team, ranked third in Class AAAA.
Warren is joined by fellow seniors Miguel Mota and Tyler Hayden to form the core of the Wolfpack team.
Mota finished 10th in the state in 2003, and he holds the school record in the 3,200 meters.
"We have our goals set high," Smallwood said. "We should be able to make a run at the state championship because of the strong seniors we have."
The potential of the boys team was evident in the recent Walton Stage Races, where they finished fifth overall and second out of the AAAA schools.
The girls team finished fourth out of AAAA schools at the Walton meet.
Senior Miguel Mota helps fill the core of the Wolfpack team. He holds the school record in the 3,200 meters.
File Photo
"The boys team is more experienced than the girls but I expect the same things from the girls," Smallwood said. "For a few years, the boys team grew up together gradually gaining experience and getting ready to make a run at a state title this year. The girls might follow a similar path."
Junior Bridget Lyons leads the girls team, which is ranked ninth in AAAA. She also finished 10th in the state as a sophomore.
"I am expecting great things from her and she will be a leader for a young team," Smallwood said. "All of our girls except Bridget are sophomores, so we are at a high level even though they are young."
The Wolfpack would receive the first big test of the season on Saturday at the Berry Invitational, which featured 110 schools. Results were unavailable as of press time.
The Wolfpack also hosts a meet today, featuring all of the county schools and some others from around the area.