Showcasing the best middle school talent in the state, the MHSAA Middle School Cross Country Classic lived up to its reputation for close battles and fast times, remaining a staple for middle school cross country in the state.
The 2023 MHSAA Middle School Cross Country Classic produced times that not only shook up state rankings but also left their mark in the all-time course rankings, making it another memorable event.
Large School Boys 3000
Wyatt Chapa from Pearl Junior High confidently led from start to finish, securing the Large School Boys victory with a time of 10:32. Caleb Strum from Oxford closely followed with a time of 10:37.
Chapa's assertive win now ranks him as the 3rd fastest middle school boy in the 3k. With recent victories at the 2023 Clinton Arrow Cross Country Invitational 3K and the Watson Classic 3k, Chapa is wrapping up his season in impressive fashion.
Guided by Chapa, Pearl Junior High clinched the team victory with an impressive 36-second split between their 1-5, averaging 10:55.
Large School Girls 3000
Evelyn Nothstine and Bella Graves set the pace in the Large School Girls race. From the back of the pack, Carrie Ann Brown from Tupelo was patient at the start before steadily working her way to the front, creating a thrilling showdown with Nothstine.
In the end, Brown displayed a dominant kick, ultimately winning with a time of 11:42. Carrie Ann Brown's victory marks the third consecutive middle school title for a Brown sibling, following in the footsteps of older brothers Andrew Brown and Taylor Brown.
Brown's impressive performance propelled her team to victory, as Tupelo Middle School triumphed with an average time of 13:01, narrowly edging out Madison Middle School.
Medium School Boys 3000
In what might be the highlight of the day, Silvestre Lopez of Corinth dominated the Medium School Boy's race, leading from start to finish and setting a historic time of 9:53. Not only did he secure a nearly forty-second lead, but he also posted the fastest time across all divisions that day.
Furthermore, his performance now ranks as the 3rd fastest 3k ever run on this course, only trailing the aforementioned Andrew Brown(9:22) and Saint Patrick's Tristan Davis(9:39).
As the season wraps up, Lopez holds the fastest times in the state this year for both the 2-mile and the 3k. On the team side, Coen Foster guided New Albany Middle School to victory with an average time of 11:33.
Medium School Girls 3000
The Medium School Girl's race hosted a formidable pack through the first 1000 meters, making it anyone's game.
However, Anna Newell from South Pontotoc Middle School delivered a remarkable second half, securing victory with a time of 12:20. This win marked her second victory of the season and moved her into the top 10 for the fastest times in the state this year for the 3k.
Led by Kayleigh Armstrong, Pontotoc Middle School claimed a decisive team victory with an average time of 13:31.
Small School Boys 3000
Miles Stidham from East Webster Middle School dominated the Small Boys 3000, clocking in at 10:59 for an easy win. His commanding performance led East Webster to the team victory with an average time of 11:52.
Small School Girls 3000
In the tightest race of the day, Mary White from Eupora Middle School and Emily Avent from East Webster Middle School ran stride for stride throughout the race.
Despite White setting the pace confidently and Avent staying tenacious, it was White's dominant kick at the finish that secured her the win with a time of 11:45, while Avent closely followed with a time of 11:50.
These impressive performances elevated both girls to the 2nd and 3rd positions in the state rankings. As for the team title, Alexia Fleming led Tupelo Christian Preparatory School to victory with an average time of 13:30.