Huntsville Metro Cross Country Championships A Huge Success At Palmer Park
MADISON- More than 350 athletes converged at Palmer Park for the 2019 Huntsville Metro Cross Country Championships hosted by James Clemens. The annual meet features high school programs within Madison County and served as Area Championships.
James Clemens continued its streak through the current season picking up trophies in three of the four divisions of varsity and middle school competition. The Jets won the varsity girls title and took runner-up spots in both the boys and girls junior high divisions. The top three teams in each division were presented trophies while the top 15 individual performances were named to the Huntsville Metro All-Elite Team.
Bob Jones took third in the boys junior high and Sparkman won a similar third place trophy for the girls division.
Kristin Day led the Lady Jets to the varsity victory by finishing in first place among the 89 participants. She finished the 5K course with a time of 19 minutes, 41 seconds and was one of four Jets to make the All-Elite Team. Meanwhile, Hannah Thuss of Bob Jones finished third (20:19.44) followed by 4. Emmy Mattingly, James Clemens (20:37.01), 5. Clair Deaton, James Clemens (20:37.05), 8. Samantha Menikheim, Sparkman (21:02.19), 9. Sydney Freeman, James Clemens (21:06.01) and 14. Lauren White, Sparkman (21:41.92).
Team scores were No. 1 James Clemens 37, No. 6 Sparkman 135, No. 8 Bob Jones 209 and No. 9 Madison Academy 261.
In varsity boys, Huntsville was the overall winner having the top two runners, four in the top 10 and five among the Elite Team 15. Matt Hill of James Clemens placed fifth (16:25.43), Jean Pierre LeRoux of Bob Jones was sixth (16:30.00), Omar Myers of Sparkman was seventh (16:33.87) and Sparkman’s James Garrison fourteenth (16:49.05).
Team totals were No. 1 Huntsville 35, No. 4 Bob Jones 90, No. 5 James Clemens 140, No. 6 Sparkman 144 and No. 9 Madison Academy 252.
The 2-mile junior high events included James Clemens sensation Dylan Dryer who remains undefeated this season by taking first place in the boys with a winning time of 10:44.26. He was followed by teammate John Luke Stovall in second place with a time of 10:53.39. James Clemens had six finish among the Elite Team while Bob Jones four runners to make the elite squad.
Finishers included 3. Isaac Allen, Bob Jones (10:54.23), 8. Jayden Walton, James Clemens (11:36.91), 10. Alex Butler, James Clemens (11:44.74), 11. Wade Bucy, Bob Jones (11:53.30), 12. Francis LeRoux, Bob Jones (12:05.80), 13. Matthew Pimmel, Bob Jones (12:06.14), 14. Roman Barnes, James Clemens (12:06.16) and 15. Luke Alverson, James Clemens (12:07.14).
Team scores were No. 1 Huntsville 31, No. 2 James Clemens 35, No. 3 Bob Jones 59 and No. 4 Sparkman 130.
In girls junior high, Huntsville was most dominate with eight among the top 10 and 11 in the elite team scoring 18 points to lead the team scores. The Panthers were followed by No. 2 James Clemens 47 and No. 3 Sparkman 78.
Individually, James Clemens had three finish among the top 15 with Ashlyn Diehl fourth (13:34.51), plus 11. Katie Gudgen (14:12.15) and 15. Amber Erwin (14:35.65).
