CROSS COUNTRY AT SECTIONALS

The Red Devils traveled to Wilson HS for the 4A Section 3 XC meet on Nov 5.  The day promised to be unusually warm for this time of year which also meant that running conditions weren’t as favorable as most runners would like.  

The Wilson team did a great job of hosting the event – and even allowed teams to come out and practice on the course the weekend before the meet.  Our runners ran well and although the full teams didn’t advance to the state championship, we did have 3 Red Devils qualify as individuals.    

Who goes to the State Championship?  The top 3 teams and then the top 6 individuals that are not on those 3 teams are the only ones that advance from each of the 4 sections.  

The Elkmont teams are in the toughest section in the state – especially the girls team!  Let me explain….

The top 3 girls teams in our section, Wilson, Rogers and West Limestone are also the top 3 teams in the state!!  With a predicted 40 point spread between 3^rd and 4^th place teams at sectional, there was no doubt that it would be difficult for any other girls team to secure a bid to the state meet.  The Lady Red Devils still performed well – they placed 2 spots better than the predictions indicated.  Eighth grader Claudia Allen finished 14^th overall and was the only Lady Red Devil to advance to the State meet.

The boys team was led all season by sophomore, Chase Prater and Junior Chance Bailey.  They entered the sectional meet ranked as the 4^th place team and it was going to be a challenge for them to secure a trip to the state championship as a team.

The boys section was also very competitive and the top three teams were West Limestone, Haleyville and Rogers.  The Elkmont team did make its presence known – the entire race was led by Chase Prater and Chance Bailey, with them taking 1^st and 2^nd place respectively. 

These kids have worked out and trained since the end of May and now, cross country season is over for the year.  It is always a tough transition those first few days (weeks) after State but many will come back together in February for track, and the remaining will join back in again in May to prepare for another XC season.  

Until then….Keep chasing the shirt in front of you and never give up!