New Season, New Venue:
For a lot of Middle Tennessee Schools, the Voyles Classic marks the beginning of Cross Country season. This year the meet moved from its long standing location in Smyrna, Tennessee north to The Hermitage. Here's the Mid-State Cross Country Association Co-Director speaking the new venue after the race:
Youth was the theme with the top finishing individuals and top finishing team in the girl's race. Sophomore Landri Wilcox of Cookeville High School finished first followed by Freshman Dinah Winders of Henry County and Sophomore Leigh Walters of Page High School rounded out the Top 3. Here is Landi post-race:
In the team race, the Brentwood High School Girls got the win in the AAA Division. It was hard to delineate team standings live since all divisions ran together but overall they placed 4 girls in the top 20. It was an impressive victory considering they had no seniors in the varsity race today. Here is their Coach after the race commenting on their performance:
In AA, Central Magnet swept both Boy's and Girl's races. Similarly, Sovereign Grace swept the titles in the A division. Here's Coach Allen Nichols of Central Magnet commenting on his team's performances:
On the boy's side, Silas Winders of Henry County High School took the win followed closely by David Ahlmeyer of Beech High School. These runners went 2-3 at last year's State Championship only to be beaten by Silas' older brother Titus who has since graduated. They are the favorites this year to finish at the top of the podium at Steeple Chase this season. If you haven't connected the dots yet between the girl's recap above and this video below... yes... There is another Winders. Dinah is the last of the siblings but with today's finish already making a splash on the Girl's Cross Country Landscape. Here is Silas and Dinah recapping their races:
Similarly, as we expect Silas and David to finish at the top
of the AAA podium on an individual basis, I think it's fair to expect to see
the Siegel High School Boy's return to the top as well. They put 4 in the top
15 at 16:51 or better this morning. Here is Coach Young, Seth Robinson, and
Dylan Bennet talking about expectations this season: