CHS is looking for commitment and effort

August 16, 2023 by Ken Lay

The Clinton High School cross country teams will begin their 2023 season Saturday morning.

The new campaign gets underway as both the Dragons and Lady Dragons will head to Halls Crossroads and Tommy Schumpert Park to compete in a 2K race.

Coach Tim Kumes is hoping that the run on the short course will serve as a tune-up for longer and more conventional races later in the season.

Other teams in the area, including Anderson County, will open their seasons on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at another 2K event at Knoxville’s Victor Ashe Park.

But Kumes and Clinton will be sitting that race out and the coach said that he has his reasons for doing so.

“I don’t really like to run too many 2K races because that gives the kids a false since of accomplishment and security,” said Kumes, who opens his ninth season as the Dragons’ and Lady Dragons’ head coach.

Kumes has simple expectations for the coming season.

“I’m looking for consistency,” he said. “I’m looking for effort and I’m looking for kids to make the commitment to cross country.”

Many of Clinton’s runners have not been consistent during offseason workouts, according to Kumes. H said he is hoping to see some runners who hadn’t been around much over the summer.

Top returners for the boys include junior Gideon Follett and sophomores Riley Brewer and Caleb Holt. Newcomer and incoming freshman Lucas Gates has also joined the Dragons.

The Lady Dragons return Summer Wilson and Alli Hollifield.

Wilson, a senior, will be a team captain. Hollifield is a junior.