2022 Moments of the Year
To finish off 2022, we're going to countdown the MileSplit TN Top 10 Moments of the Year. As you'll see throughout the countdown, last year was filled with incredible drama, can't miss racing, and record breaking performances. Enjoy. Check back in between now and January 1st, 2023 for all the moments that made the year unforgettable.
First Since 1998
The only time before a freshman boy has won the largest Division I Classification in Tennessee was in 1998 when Farragut's Andy Baksa crossed the finish at Steeplechase in 15:28. Cleveland's Owen Clemons became the second on November 4th of this year after outlasting a loaded field of contenders to win the Class AAA state title in 15:22. His best time of the season came a month prior at the same course running 15:01. That time would be good enough to hold onto the US #1 spot for the Class of 2026.
Full US Class Of 2026 Rankings
Back To Back
This is now the second year in a row Tennessee has had the boys #1 runner in the country for freshman. Last year Keegan Smith ended the season ranked #1 overall as well capping off his season with a run in San Diego. Clemons did not opt to take that route however as he decided early he would race at Garmin RunningLane in December. I assume he wanted to attempt to break Keegan's freshman record 14:53 but instead ran his slowest race of the season as the weather did not cooperate at John Hunt Park on the third of this month. While understandably disappointed as most were that day, it does not appear to have kept him down as he has since joined Instagram posting several training videos since.
With Clemons and Smith and a slew of complementary talent abound in Tennessee, the future of distance running in the Volunteer State is in good hands.
