TennesseeRunner.com /KYA Middle School XC State Championship 2012

Over 1000 of the Tennessee’s finest Middle School athletes descended on Knoxville this past Saturday for the Tennessee State Middle School State Championships presented by Knoxville Youth Athletics and TennesseeRunner.com.  Qualifying from five regions across the state, they came in painted up cars bound for Victor Ashe Park which has been the site for the championship all six years of the meet’s existence. 

MS Boys Varsity Race from the Lead vehicle

MS Girls Varsity Race from the Lead vehicle

MS JV Race from the Lead vehicle

Elementary Boys from the Lead vehicle

Elementary Girls from the Lead vehicle

Interview with the champs

In 2006, when the first official Tennessee Middle School State Championship was run (pun intended), 222 athletes and 8 girls/9 boys teams competed for rights for a state title. The meet has grown substantially in terms of numbers with 483 Varsity boys and girls along with 27 girls/23 boys teams vying for that championship plaque. Those numbers do not include a growing JV race as well as Elementary competitors in their own open race. As we turn to this year’s installment this Saturday, October 20th at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville, there are some individuals as well as teams that hope to cement their place in the only race where one can state that they are truly State Champion.