Bulldog XC Open Highlights Local Talent

MURPHY, N.C. — The Bulldog XC Open, held Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Murphy High School track, showcased fierce competition among high school cross-country runners in a 5K race. Athletes from Andrews, Hayesville, Hiwassee Dam, Towns County, and Murphy high schools delivered strong performances, navigating the course under ideal racing conditions.

BOYS RESULTS:

Andrews High School runners displayed impressive depth. Levi Clark led the way, taking second place with a time of 17:01.25, followed closely by Elliott Salinas in third at 17:11.13. Gabe Clark finished seventh in 17:34.14, Myca Mustin ninth in 18:07.02, Jayce Donaldson 11th in 18:10.97, Luke Clark 19th in 19:14.84, and Ford Ashe 75th in 36:21.23.

Hayesville High School had a robust showing, led by Noah Carter’s sixth-place finish in 17:24.19. Jackson Dye placed 12th in 18:11.27, Eli Cheeks 13th in 18:16.48, Parker Hughes 15th in 18:24.61, Porter Hood 17th in 18:39.35, Micah Moss 24th in 20:10.90, Garrison Boyer 33rd in 21:26.77, Brandon Prieto-Rivera 39th in 21:44.88, Robert Manning 65th in 26:57.60, Nate Cook 66th in 27:08.12, Jake Armstrong 69th in 28:17.94, Tucker Dockery 71st in 29:12.13, and Ayden Cannon 76th in 39:37.43.

Hiwassee Dam High School claimed the top spot with Oscar Page’s winning time of 16:40.62. Maverick Hawley followed in 10th at 18:09.39, Xavier Johnson in 23rd at 20:02.77, Travis Allen in 25th at 20:31.44, Jonah Dockery in 47th at 22:38.67, Brayden Morrow in 48th at 22:47.89, Avery Taylor in 55th at 24:17.33, and Brandon Bishop in 56th at 24:29.70.

Towns County High School was represented by Emory Hardin, who finished 38th in 21:43.81, Jason Chavero in 40th at 21:50.84, Will Walls in 60th at 25:10.90, and Christopher Houser in 73rd at 32:26.75.

Murphy High School saw Braden Edwards lead the team with an 18th-place finish in 18:49.14. David Hickey placed 36th in 21:40.54, Cruz Yarbro 41st in 22:01.44, Josiah Niblea 42nd in 22:05.50, Reyden Galarza 46th in 22:30.13, and John Durham 68th in 27:49.37.

GIRLS RESULTS:

Hayesville High School's team displayed depth and speed. Raelynn Wood led the Yellow Jackets, securing a top-five finish with a time of 21:38.21 for fifth place. Marlo Joyce followed in 12th place at 24:23.42, while Caroline Wade crossed the line in 21st at 26:23.98. Amyna Denton placed 32nd with a time of 30:34.76, and Jadyn Kimber rounded out Hayesville’s effort in 40th at 34:09.73.

Hiwassee Dam’s duo put in solid performances. Avery Freemon led with a 25th-place finish at 28:21.51, while Ashlin Anderson placed 41st with a time of 34:10.59.

Towns County High School had a strong showing with several runners in the mid-to-back pack. Emberlynn Williams led the team, finishing 17th with a time of 25:23.65. Joyce Hou was close behind in 23rd at 28:11.62, followed by Maelei Johnstone in 27th at 28:29.14. Mary Durham took 30th with a time of 29:14.37, Reilyn Gonzalez finished 34th at 30:50.37, Jamie McCarter placed 42nd at 35:07.88, and Katelyn Walls closed out the group in 43rd at 39:39.44.

The host team, Murphy, saw two athletes compete. Anna Leatherwood led the Bulldogs, finishing 24th with a time of 28:18.73. Emory Ricks followed in 28th at 29:02.66, showcasing local pride on their home course.

The Bulldog XC Open highlighted the region’s cross-country talent, with athletes from each school pushing their limits on the Murphy course.