Jones Leads the Swarm from HMS to Victory

(Photo by Hilary Goodrich) Caiden Curtis maintains his rhythm on his way to a top 10 overall finish.

Staff Report

CHEROKEE, N.C. — Hayesville Middle School cross country turned in a strong showing Wednesday, Sept. 2 in sweltering conditions, with the Yellow Jacket boys nabbing the team title and the girls recording their first complete team score of the season at the conclusion of the cross country meet in Cherokee.

The heat index climbed into the high 90s, turning the 2-mile course into a test of endurance as much as speed.

Hayesville’s boys responded with one of their most complete efforts of the year. All five scoring runners finished in the top 10, producing a team total of 28 points — 40 points clear of host Cherokee’s 68.

Gage Jones won the race in 12:15.0. Eli Danico was third in 12:20.6, Jackson Badger fifth in 12:31.5, Colton Crawford ninth in 13:09.4, and Caiden Curtis 10th in 13:12.9. That top-10 cluster proved decisive.

The Lady Yellow Jackets lined up a full scoring five for the first time this season and placed fifth overall. Ava Burns led the way in 17:13.1, followed closely by Gracie Taylor in 17:17.3. Ellie Brown, Allie Godfrey, and Savanna Frey completed the scoring group. Natalie Wilson also finished.

Being able to score as a complete team marked a milestone for a program still building depth. Both squads left Cherokee with results to celebrate after a demanding afternoon.

(Photo by Hilary Goodrich) Ellie Brown flashes a smile as she closes within a half mile of the finish line.

Individual Results

Boys

Pl. 1 — Gage Jones, 12:15.0

Pl. 3 — Eli Danico, 12:20.6

Pl. 5 — Jackson Badger, 12:31.5

Pl. 9 — Colton Crawford, 13:09.4

Pl. 10 — Caiden Curtis, 13:12.9

Pl. 17 — Nash Carter, 13:48.3

Pl. 21 — Ladyn Giddens, 13:56.8

Pl. 24 — Martin Ledford, 14:05.7

Pl. 29 — Deacon Dye, 14:43.0

Pl. 39 — Bentley Smith, 15:28.0

Pl. 40 — Salvadore Gabe Garcia, 15:38.3

Pl. 115 — Amos Reese Crowder, 21:45.3

Pl. 116 — Wyatt Smith, 21:57.3

Pl. 136 — Kaiden Smith, 30:18.6

Girls

Pl. 63 — Ava Burns, 17:13.1

Pl. 66 — Gracie Taylor, 17:17.3

Pl. 97 — Ellie Brown, 19:26.1

Pl. 105 — Allie Godfrey, 20:10.1

Pl. 107 — Savanna Frey, 20:13.4

Pl. 112 — Natalie Wilson, 20:36.7