On Saturday, Sept. 7, the CJH Cross Country team hosted the “Camden XC Invitational,” a 1.5 mile race held on the Briarwood field and surrounding school campus. Ten schools and more than 150 athletes participated in the race, with hundreds of supporters coming out to cheer on the runners.
Perfect racing weather and a well-groomed course made for an exciting day for all participants, and many had memorable races. Both varsity and junior varsity (JV) events awarded the top 15 finishers, with medals for varsity runners and ribbons for the JV. The top three teams each received a trophy.
The CJH boys’ varsity team continued its dominance and defended their home course with a first place team victory. Five of CJH boys placed in the top 10, including the overall winner and new course record holder Ridge Bruce in first place. Bruce was followed closely by Ayden Melton (2nd), Pete Douglas (6th), Angelo Arnold (9th), and Matthew Arnold (10th). Their team score of 28 was an all time best, soundly defeating second place team Stewart County by almost 40 points.
The varsity girls had two medalists in Emma Pierce (5th) and Abbi Wallace (11th). Lauren Pierce, Alyssa Travis, and Kayedence Christopher also scored for the team. Their combined efforts earned the girls’ team a second place trophy.
The JV races saw the Lions claim 12 ribbons total. Konner Comuzie (3rd), Ty Reichard (4th), Caleb Pierson (6th), Kevin Knight (7th), Tucker Ledford (8th), and Brentley Siler (12th) scored for the boys’ team, while McKenzie Baylor (3rd), Paeton Henry (5th), Megan Robins (6th), Amelia Robins (8th), and Julie Story (9th) earned points for the girls.
Coaches Amber Douglas and Sarah Comuzie wish to thank Woodmen of the World for sponsoring the event, as well as the many volunteers who made it such a huge success. Up next for the CJH team is a trip to Dickson on Saturday, Sept. 14, to race at Buckner Park.
The high school XC team competed at the Huntingdon Stampede on Tuesday, Sept. 10, but those results were not available at press time. Check out next week’s Chronicle for more XC coverage.
