On Saturday, Oct. 13, five runners from CJH competed in the West Tennessee Region Middle School State Qualifier meet held at Shelby Farms in Memphis. Toeing the line were top runners from all over the region, ready to decide who would advance to the state meet in Knoxville. The weather was ideal for racing, with overcast skies and temperatures in the low 60’s, propelling three CJH runners to qualify.
CJH 8th grade star Bailey Morris showcased why she is one of the best in the state with her performance in the girls’ varsity 2-mile course. She ran with the lead pack throughout the race and finished strong, earning a sixth place medal with a personal best time of 13:02.
In the boys’ varsity 2-mile, more than 200 athletes shot off the line and never slowed down. Eighth grader Will Douglas moved up steadily through the race to claim a podium finish with a third place medal and personal best time of 11:26, disrupting Memphis area powerhouse Houston Middle School’s bid for a sweep of the top spots.
The three other CJH runners also claimed personal best times in their runs. Beau Smith (27th place, 12:30 time) also advanced to the state meet after closing strong by moving up 10 positions over the final half mile of the race. Sixth graders Pete Douglas (13:39) and Angelo Arnold (14:05) both ran their best times ever but didn’t make the cut to move ahead this year.
Bailey, Will, and Beau will race in the Tennessee State Middle School Cross Country Meet at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m. Coach Amber Douglas has high hopes for these athletes to finish in the top 10 at state, and reported that she is honored to have coached these exceptional Camden athletes.
