The Brandon Bulldog cross country teams kicked off the season at the Brooks Memphis Twilight Classic this past weekend. Both of the boys and girls teams had a solid season opener, with the boys placing 3rd of MS teams and the girls, who were struck with injury, still running a solid race. As a whole, several PR times were run and we feel good about our start to the season.
At Brooks, on the boys varsity side, I led the way running 17:15 which was good for 56th place overall. Next, were two promising freshman, Layton Levingston and Cameron Entremont, who ran 19:11 and 19:35. Next came two first year runners who are looking at exciting seasons ahead, senior Matt Byrd 20:34 and sophomore Sam Lovette 20:39. Next came 8th grader Ty Wilson in 20:57. Rounding out the top 7 was junior Jonathan Briggs, who I believe is on the brink of a breakthrough season, he finished in 21:10. Our 8th man and another runner expected of a great season was Richard Smallwood who ran 21:30. We're super excited about this group of guys and we're hoping by the time state rolls around to have 7 boys under 20 minutes.
On the girls varsity side, they were led by sophomore Megan Henry who ran 22:24. She was followed by fellow sophomore Katie Kirby who ran 22:51. Following the leaders was freshman Mallory Grace Koegel in 25:19. She was followed closely behind by my sister, freshman Ella Bourne in 25:23. Next was junior Sam Moore who ran 25:33. Following them was a group of three: sophomore Darla Wilson 28:04, 8th grader Kenah Sanders 28:08, and junior Haley Shaffer in 28:34. The girls team is looking forward to another great year!
Personally, I was very excited with how my race went. Although I was shooting for sub-17, a 17:15 on the first meet of the year is something I cannot complain about. I felt very easy through two miles, and finished having run even splits throughout the entirety of the race. I'm looking forward for the rest of the season and to seeing my teammates knock down some PR's!
The dogs will be racing the Madison XC Classic this upcoming Saturday! We're looking forward to a fun race on the 4K course!
Signing Off,
Austin Bourne
