HMS Yellow Jackets Boys Go Undefeated, Claim Conference Title
(Photo by Hilary Goodrich)
The HMS boys cross country team celebrates the SMC championship. From left, Townes Lamouro, Nash Carter, Jackson Badger, Eli Danico, Gage Jones, Colton Crawford Caiden Curtis and Deacon Dye.
By Travis Dockery
Sportswriter
The Hayesville Middle School boys cross country team capped an undefeated season with a dominant performance at the Smoky Mountain Conference Championship on Wednesday at Swain, finishing with a team score of 30 points—38 points ahead of second-place Swain.
Gage Jones led the Yellow Jackets with a first-place finish and earned Conference Runner of the Year honors. His time of 10:48 broke his own school record.
The boys entered the meet with two clear team goals: place their top five runners in the top 10 and have all seven conference runners finish in the top 14 to secure All-Conference honors. They accomplished both.
Behind Jones came Eli Danico (4th), Jackson Badger (6th), Nash Carter (9th), Colton Crawford (10th), Deacon Dye (12th), and Caiden Curtis (13th). All seven Yellow Jackets earned All-Conference recognition, underscoring the team’s depth and consistency throughout the season.
The Hayesville Middle School girls also delivered an outstanding performance, finishing fourth overall with personal records across the team. Olivia Ledford led the Jackets with an eighth-place finish and earned All-Conference honors. Ava Burns, Gracie Taylor, Savannah Frey, Natalie Wilson, and Ellie Brown rounded out the girls’ championship lineup.
The season continues for the Yellow Jackets. The seven boys and Ava Burns will travel to Kernersville this Saturday to compete in the State Cross Country Meet at Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex.
Photo by Hilary Goodrich)
HMS's girls take time to pose for a picture at Wednesday's SMC championship event.
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