On Friday, Sept. 20, the CJHS Cross Country team competed at the Parker’s Crossroads 2-Mile Invitational Race hosted by Henderson County. The Camden teams stole the show, with both the girls’ and boys’ teams running away with first place team honors!
“We had many individuals earn medals, ribbons, and personal best times, but my favorite was hearing our teams called out as champions,” said Coach Amber Douglas. “They train hard together and celebrate together. Coach Sarah Comuzie and I are so proud!”
The park loop course took the runners over gravel trails, sloped grass banks, and through wooded paths. Trophies were awarded to the top three teams, medals to the top 15 varsity finishers, and ribbons to the top 10 finishers among the junior varsity runners.
This marks the first time in the girls’ team history to win first as a team as they beat out a strong USJ squad. The top four CJH runners won medals, led by cousins Emma Pierce in second place and Lauren Pierce in fourth, followed closely by Abbi Wallace (7th) and Kayedence Christopher (13th). Alyssa Travis also scored for the team.
The boys team dominated once again, placing the first five CJH runners in the top 10.
Ridge Bruce again led all Lions with his second place medal. Gold jerseys followed him in quick succession, as Ayden Melton (3rd), Pete Douglas (5th), Angelo Arnold (6th), and Matthew Arnold (10th) crossed the finish line to capture first place with an all time team record score of 26!
The JV races saw many Camden runners earn ribbons and mark new personal best times. The JV group was led by Kevin Knight (5th), Konner Comuzie (9th), Julie Story (8th), and McKenzie Baylor (9th).
The junior high teams now look to finish their regular season strong at the Best of the West Meet in Dyersburg on Monday, Sept. 30. Following this race, they will begin preparing for their post season regional meet in Memphis.
