Andrews Boys Bring Home Runner-Up Finish at State Cross Country Championships

Photo by Matt Mustin

The Andrews High School boys cross country team proved once again that hard work and small-town grit can hang with anyone in the state. At the NCHSAA 1A State Cross Country Championships held at the Ivey Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville, the Wildcats turned in an impressive performance, finishing as the state runner-up behind only NC Leadership Academy.

Led by freshman phenom Levi Clark, who crossed the line in 17:00.05 to take fifth place overall, Andrews showed remarkable consistency from top to bottom. Not far behind was fellow freshman Elliott Salinas, who claimed 10th place in 17:20.97, followed by junior Gabe Clark, placing 11th with a time of 17:24.02.

Senior Myca Mustin (17:53.20) and freshman Jayce Donaldson (18:01.70) rounded out the Wildcats’ scoring five, securing crucial points that helped Andrews edge Robbinsville for second place. Freshman Luke Clark (19:09.13) and senior Ethan Garrett (22:57.43) also competed, showing the depth and determination that’s become a trademark of Coach [insert coach’s name if known]’s program.

In a field stacked with elite competition from across North Carolina, Andrews posted a total team time of 1:27:39.94, averaging 17:31 per runner—a performance that left fans and parents cheering proudly from the sidelines.

The result marks another milestone for a program that continues to grow in both talent and tradition. With three freshmen finishing among the team’s top five, the future looks bright for the Wildcats.

“It’s a special group,” said Coach [Name]. “They run for each other, for their school, and for this community. You can’t ask for more than that.”

For a school nestled in the mountains of Cherokee County, finishing second in the state is no small feat—but for the Andrews Wildcats, it’s just another reminder that heart, hustle, and hometown pride can take you a long way down any trail.

Top Andrews Finishers:

• Levi Clark – 17:00.05 (5th)

• Elliott Salinas – 17:20.97 (10th)

• Gabe Clark – 17:24.02 (11th)

• Myca Mustin – 17:53.20 (23rd)

• Jayce Donaldson – 18:01.70 (24th)

• Luke Clark – 19:09.13 (39th)

• Ethan Garrett – 22:57.43 (85th)

Andrews will now look ahead to next season, carrying the momentum of a state silver finish and the promise of a young, talented core ready to keep the Wildcat legacy running strong.