Varsity Cross Country

Last year, the varsity girls cross country team won the state championship as well as the regional meet. Also, Coach Emory Kirk was named 2021 U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s High School Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year.

Additionally, the varsity boys cross country team repeated as 1-4a division champions taking 13 of the top 14 all division spots. At the state meet, they took home 2nd place. The seven guys who ran at state became the fastest team to ever compete for the high school, running an average time as a team of 17:34.

This year, seniors on the girls team include Catherine Grisham, Dakota Grimes, Lauren Beech, Lexie Faulkner, Anahi Rivera, Emma Hall, Odilia Pascual and Graci Laird.

Starting her second year as head coach, Kirk believes it takes all 38 girls to make a strong cross country team. “My expectation is for my team not to settle. They need to keep working and to have the attitude as if we have never won state before. Each year we have to find ways to continue to improve and become stronger as a team,” said Kirk.

Seniors on the boys team include Will Steward, John Parker, Clark Carmichiel, Julio Arguello, Ross Evans and Parker LeGoff.   

Starting his fourth year as head coach, Luke Hatcher believes every year has been a learning experience. “I look for our team to have a very strong and successful season. With their hard work, we will put ourselves in a position to chase another state title. I’m very honored to coach not only great runners but great student athletes who excel in multiple sports and the classroom,” said Hatcher.