Claire Stegall and Bella Guillamondegui pushed each other to the #1 and #2 scholastic times of the year in 2022 at Great Eight. Stegall ran 4:45.45 and Guillamondegui ran 4:53.21.
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.
Three Times In 5 Years
Until 2017, the recognized Tennessee High School Girl's record for the 1600m/Mile was held by Margaret Groos of Harpeth Hall who set the mark in 1977. It remained that way for forty years until 2017 when CAK's Rebecca Story ran 4:42.26 (c) at the Music City Distance Carnival. Just two years later, Jenna Hutchins would lower it again at the same meet post-season meet to 4:41.69 (c). If you were to ask me in 2019 how long Hutchin's record would stand I would've guess over 10 years. From 2010 to 2015 only 7 girls in the state broke the five minute barrier. In a singular race in 2019, 10 did. This was not something we were used much less running sub 4:50 but the talent level of girls in the state continues to elevate.
Hutchins record would only last three years as Claire Stegall, who missed most of her freshman cross country season due to injury, would return in the spring healthy and hungry. Her outdoor campaign would see her post TN #1s in all races 800 meters and above posting State Meet Records in both the 1600m (4:50.40) and the 3200m (10:36.16). She would also run faster than the Regular Season Record (subject to ratification) in the 3200m with a 10:21 at the Section 2 Championship. She would end her season at the same meet both Story and Hutchins would run their record setting runs; The Music City Track Carnival and just like them, would break the State Record in the 1600m.
The current record mark for the 1600m/mile now stands at 4:40.76 (c) / 4:42.40. If you asked me now how long that would stand, I would take the under this time on three years or less.
Previous Moments In the Countdown