The WCHS cross country teams were missing their usual frontrunner Monday, but coach Kelsea Turner saw plenty to like about the way others responded.
With two-time state qualifier Emma Woodlee sidelined after another setback, the Lady Pioneers had new runners move to the front while competing in another hot race at the Woodland Park Meet One in Chattanooga. The same was true on the boys side, where times continued to drop and competition for spots near the front of the Pioneer pack continued to grow.
“We are very proud of the effort the entire team put forth today,” said Turner. “Days like this really pull the team together. It gives other runners the opportunity to step up and take on bigger roles. It shows the importance of having a strong team from top to bottom.
“Everyone has to be willing to step up and do their part, and I’m proud of how they competed today. These are the days that build character and bring a team closer together.”
Gracee O'Neal was the Lady Pioneer who stepped to the front Monday, leading Warren County with a 24th-place finish in 25:55.89. Elizabeth Meadows wasn't far behind, taking 26th in 26:01.07.
Claire Randall finished 34th in 27:30.85 and Olivia Rhea followed in 35th at 27:35.31. Caroline Douglas took 43rd in 28:56.10 and Aubrey Alford was 48th in 29:35.46.
Warren County finished fifth as a team with 112 points. Franklin County captured the team championship with 66 points, while Silverdale Baptist senior Sarah Jane Inman was the individual winner in 21:20.05.
Woodlee started Monday's race but was unable to finish after suffering another setback. She’s been hampered by injuries dating back to the track season in the spring, but is hopeful her last two outings are just minor setbacks as she hopes to make a run for a third state bid in cross country next month.
Pioneers keep pushing
There was plenty of competition at the front of Warren County's boys lineup.
Shiloh White and Christain Hewitt crossed the finish line almost simultaneously, with White taking 28th in 20:48.77 and Hewitt finishing 29th in 20:48.99. Just 0.22 seconds separated the two.
Zaydon Lovvorn finished in 22:57.60, while Lucas Rhea completed the course in 25:31.00. Colton Sanders ran 28:29.78.
Perhaps nobody better demonstrated the progress Turner is seeing throughout the team than freshman Brantley Rigsby.
Rigsby had never run cross country before this season and completed his first meet in 42:02. Monday, he crossed the finish line in 26:19.34, cutting 15 minutes, 43 seconds from his debut time.
The continued improvement gives the Pioneers plenty to race for beyond their place in the overall standings. Every drop in time gives somebody another chance to move up the Warren County lineup and challenge for one of the team's top spots.
Warren County finished 10th in the boys team standings with 237 points. CSTHEA won the team championship with 62 points, while Franklin County senior Jayden Smith captured the individual title in 17:25.74.
