Pearl HS Boys Re-break 5K avg State Record
In an astounding team achievement, the Pearl High School Boys managed to re-break their own 5K state average record, coming in with a blistering 15:54 average. Their pack running prowess was on full display at the renowned 2023 Jesse Owens Classic, where they secured a commendable 4th place finish, the highest in the school's history.
Having eclipsed their prior 16:07 state record from the 2023 Southern Showcase earlier this season, they are fast-approaching a legendary benchmark - almost five runners under 16 minutes in the same race.
Could the 2023 Watson High School Cross Country Classic witness this momentous feat??
Burge Breaks 18 in 5K, First since 2017
Hernando's Kaitlyn Burge continued making waves at the 2023 Jesse Owens Classic with a historical 17:58 finish in the 5K. This milestone marks the first time a Mississippi girl has gone sub-18 since the feats of Morgan Claire Rose in 2017.
Not only did Burge break the Mississippi Course record, taking it from Starkville's Julia Cathcart, but she also bested a star-studded field to finish in the top ten overall.
With her current form, the looming question is: could she challenge Morgan Claire Rose's Watson record of 17:50 at the upcoming 2023 Watson High School Cross Country Classic?
JaQuavion Bryant Rises to the Top; 15:24 at Jesse Owens
At the 2023 Jesse Owens Classic, Pearl's Jaquavion Bryant clocked an incredible 15:24 in the 5K, marking the fifth fastest 5K performance in the past decade.
This performance is the first sub-15:30 5K since 2020 and also broke Gabe McElwain's Mississippi Course Record by a clear 6 seconds.
Alongside Bryant, note must be made of Oxford's Bailey Kosko, who is hot on Bryant's heels, as did Bryant's teammate Farren Oberto, who also made a mark at Jesse Owens. Kosko stopped the clock in 15:28, which stands as the sixth fastest 5K performance in the last decade and is closing in on Chase Rose's Oxford High School record of 15:23. Additionally, Oberto came through the line in 15:33, the fourth fastest Mississippi performance in Jesse Owens meet history, and the 10th fastest 5K run in the last decade.
With this trio among many others gearing up for the 2023 Watson Cross Country Classic, Christian Balcer's 15:15 course record is undoubtedly under threat.
Tupelo HS Girls Dynamic Duo Make History
The 2023 Jesse Owens Classic saw Tupelo High School's Brookelyn Morgan and Sophie Santucci both finish under 19 minutes in the 5K.
A flashback to 2015 brings memories of the Mattox sisters of Starkville achieving this feat, but what's even more intriguing is that this is the first instance in Mississippi history of two teams having two athletes each go under 19 minutes. This accomplishment stands as a testament to Mississippi's evolving distance running talent.
With Simpson Academy and St. Joseph's Academy, as well as the aforementioned Kaitlyn Burge in the mix, the 2023 Watson High School Cross Country Classic promises a riveting showdown.