Congratulations to the Avery girls cross country team, who qualified this past weekend for the state meet.
Two of Avery's team earned All Conference Honors the week prior: Kate Griewisch with her 4th place finish and Mary Chesnut Smith, with her 6th place finish. Their times were 21:33 and 21:54, respectively. If they could finish in the top four teams, the whole team would earn a spot in the NCHSAA state cross country meet; if not, two of the team stood a good chance of earning one of the 5 spots for individuals not on the top 4 teams. There were twelve schools represented at the meet, but not all had a full team.
The Avery girls got off to a strong start with Caroline Crenshaw, Smith and Griewisch in the early front group. At about the half-way point, Smith was in the lead for Avery with Griewisch close behind. When they came around the second time with 400 meters left, Griewisch was leading Smith. They both finished strong, earning 4th and 5th place finishes, and All-West Region honors. Griewisch finished in 20:55.67 and Smith in 21:06.34. Kristen Stout of Hendersonville had the winning time of 20:21.48. Teddy Jablonski finished 3rd for Avery, with Caroline Crenshaw on her heels; they finished 24th and 26th respectively. Katelynn Eudy finished 44th and Debra Anderson 52nd.
The Avery girls got off to a strong start with Caroline Crenshaw, Smith and Griewisch in the early front group. At about the half-way point, Smith was in the lead for Avery with Griewisch close behind. When they came around the second time with 400 meters left, Griewisch was leading Smith. They both finished strong, earning 4th and 5th place finishes, and All-West Region honors. Griewisch finished in 20:55.67 and Smith in 21:06.34. Kristen Stout of Hendersonville had the winning time of 20:21.48. Teddy Jablonski finished 3rd for Avery, with Caroline Crenshaw on her heels; they finished 24th and 26th respectively. Katelynn Eudy finished 44th and Debra Anderson 52nd.
Two teams were clearly front runners but 3 others were close. Assistant Coach Helms felt like Avery had just missed the cut, as one of the teams in question had 3 finish in the top 15, and the other had all 5 of their runners in before Avery. After announcing the All Region Team, the MC announced the 5 runners whose teams didn’t qualify who qualified as individuals for the state meet. The first runner had finished below Avery’s top two girls, and then a runners from one of the teams which might have beat Avery, made parents, coaches and team realize that the whole team had qualified, long before their fourth place finish was made official by the MC.
Hayesville finished in first place with 53 points; Hendersonville in second with 61 points, Robbinsville was third with 84 points and Avery fourth with 89 points. It turned out not to be as close as feared because Murphy finished fifth with 104 points. In the latest poll of NC coaches, Avery girls were ranked #9 in the state. They may move up one or two spots after their regional finish.
Hayesville finished in first place with 53 points; Hendersonville in second with 61 points, Robbinsville was third with 84 points and Avery fourth with 89 points. It turned out not to be as close as feared because Murphy finished fifth with 104 points. In the latest poll of NC coaches, Avery girls were ranked #9 in the state. They may move up one or two spots after their regional finish.
Congratulations again to the Lady Vikings, and thanks to Serena Smith for photos and information about the competition.
