CHS cross country: Fast times on a short course
Clinton High School’s boys and girls cross country teams opened the 2023 season Saturday at a two-mile run at Tommy Schumpert Park in the Halls Crossroads Community in North Knox County.
The Dragons and Lady Dragons put down some fast times on the short course, giving head Coach Tim Kumes reason for optimism.
“I was very encouraged by our ninth- and 10th-graders for the boys,” he said. “The kids did great. The freshman boys were on it. It was a great chance to get meet speed figured out.”
Freshman Cooper Bostrom led the way for the Dragons as he completed the course in 13 minutes, 21.23 seconds. Sophomore Caleb Holt posted a time of 13:57.98. Freshman Lucas Gates came in with a time of 14:00.53. Riley Brewer, a sophomore, clocked an effort of 14:40.68.
Freshman Xavier Porter completed the course in 15:38.54. Nathan Angel, another freshman making his high school debut, completed the race with a time of 16:13.04 and Gideon Follett, a sophomore, posted a mark of 16:27.57.
“These kids are seeing that all the work they’ve been doing all summer is paying off,” Kumes said. “I love to run but I know it’s hard for the kids to put in the work in the summer because it’s hot and they have to run in the heat and humidity.
“These kids have a lot of guts.”
Three Lady Dragons, all upper classmen, competed in Halls Saturday.
Junior Alli Hollifield posted a time of 17:09.48. Fellow junior Sophia Tipton clocked in at 17:21.56 and senior Summer Wilson finished in 20:49.20.
Clinton will have a long break before returning to competition on Sept. 9 at Norris Dam.