Hayesville Cross Country Finishes Strong at State Championship

Photo by Coach Zach Moss

The Hayesville Yellow Jacket boys cross country team wrapped up their 2025 season with an impressive showing at the NCHSAA 2A State Championship, held October 31–November 1 at the Ivey Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville. Competing against the best small-school runners in North Carolina, the Jackets finished 8th overall out of 18 qualifying teams — a strong result for a program that continues to build its reputation among the state’s elite.

Leading the charge for Hayesville was junior Jackson Dye, who turned in a time of 18:19.49, earning 31st place in a field of more than 140 runners. Close behind was senior Noah Carter, finishing in 18:22.51, followed by freshman Eli Cheeks in 18:35.03.

Rounding out the Jackets’ scoring five were Parker Hughes (19:13.22) and Porter Hood (19:16.22), both running strong mid-pack times to help secure Hayesville’s top-10 team finish. Sophomore Evan Burks (19:42.32) and sophomore Micah Moss (19:51.84) provided valuable depth as the team’s sixth and seventh runners.

The Yellow Jackets posted a combined team time of 1:33:46.47, averaging 18:45 per runner, which placed them just ahead of Triangle Math & Science and only a few points shy of several powerhouse programs from the eastern part of the state.

With Dye returning as one of the state’s stronger juniors and a talented group of underclassmen gaining experience, the future looks bright for Hayesville cross country. The Jackets have proven they can run with the best — and they’re just getting started.

Representing Hayesville in the girls’ championship race was Raelynn Wood, the lone female runner for the Jackets. Wood ran a strong, steady race, clocking in at 22:08.54 to place 32nd overall in the 2A girls division. Her performance capped off an outstanding season and marked one of the highest state finishes for a Hayesville female runner in recent years.