Cross country season rolled into full swing this past weekend with several early-season showcase meets. There were big performances and breakout stories, meaning there is plenty to talk about in this week's Talk of the Town.
Alex Lee Steals the Spotlight at Memphis Twilight
In her much-anticipated debut, Alex Lee from Madison Central did not disappoint. Many of her competitors had already opened their seasons and carried faster personal bests, so she had her work cut out for her.
Through the opening mile, she tucked comfortably into the lead pack, looking smooth and controlled. By the halfway point, she felt good and knew something special was possible. Over the final stretch, she showed off that untouchable mile speed from the track season, pulling away from the field and crossing the line in 18:13. The performance was a 45-second personal best and makes her the fastest female runner in the state.
At this same meet last year, Alex ran 19:15 to finish fifth overall. This time, she was a full minute faster and in control from start to finish. Her breakthrough shows not only the dominance she already proved on the track as the state's top 3200-meter runner, but also the benefits of a strong summer training block that clearly elevated her endurance.
What makes this result even more eye-catching is who she beat. Alex finished 20 seconds ahead of Lilly Overby, the fastest returning runner in Mississippi. This is just the beginning of what looks to be one of the season's most exciting rivalries. They will face each other again this weekend at The Opener, so fans will not have to wait long for the rematch.
Alexia Fleming Claims Big Win on Her Home Course
After opening her season at the NMPHC Classic with a runner-up finish in 20:06, Alexia Fleming from Tupelo Christian Preparatory School had already hinted at a strong freshman campaign. Last weekend at the TCPS Twilight, she showed just how much more she had to give.
Racing on her home course, Fleming leaned on her experience and quickly took control. For the first mile, she was stride for stride with Kyleigh Carter from Hernando, but soon after, she pulled away with authority. She crossed the finish line in 19:48, an 18-second personal best and the second-fastest time ever run on that course, behind only Kaitlyn Burge from Hernando.
It is still early in the season, but at the rate she is improving, Alexia looks ready to establish herself as one of Mississippi's top young distance runners.
Seven Boys Break 17 at Memphis Twilight
The Mississippi boys delivered a statement of their own at the Memphis Twilight, with seven runners breaking 17 minutes. Four of them did it for the first time.
Leading the way was Autry Foster of Lewisburg High School, who finished 11th overall in 16:22. While not a personal best, it was a strong and consistent opener, right where he needs to be in early September.
The breakout of the night belonged to Walter Towery from Jackson Academy. Coming in with a best of 18:07, Towery shocked everyone with a massive leap forward, crossing the line in 16:28. That is a 90-second improvement, and he ran it at a pace faster than his 3200-meter personal best from the spring. To make that kind of jump while dipping into the 16:20s is nothing short of remarkable.
Other standouts included David Lee of Madison Central, who opened with a new best of 16:34, and Graham Vaughan of Oxford, who dropped 30 seconds to run 16:36. Also breaking 17 were Joey Eleraky from Madison Central, Braxton Stevens from Corinth, and Jayden Smith from Simpson Academy.
For Mississippi distance running, this was an early-season marker. Seeing so many runners under 17 minutes in the first major meet suggests plenty more to come. By the time November rolls around, some of these same athletes could be pushing the 16-minute barrier. It is only September, but the pace is already heating up.
Weekend Preview: Tupelo Invitational and The Opener
This weekend, two of the state's biggest meets are on the schedule: the Tupelo Invitational and The Opener.
The Tupelo Invitational will bring together many of North Mississippi's best, headlined by the season debut of Andrew Brown from Tupelo High School. Last year, he opened here with a 15:09 before going on to break the state record in the 1600 meters and come within a fraction of the 3200 meter record. His 2025 opener is one you will not want to miss.
At The Opener, many of Mississippi's top athletes will either continue their seasons or line up for the first time. On the girls' side, seven of the state's current top ten are scheduled to race. On the boys' side, Preston Mundy is set to begin his season and will look to defend his position as Mississippi's top seed.