Cross country teams cap season with banquet

Nov. 29—TIFTON — The annual Tift County High cross country banquet was held Nov. 17 at Northeast Middle.

Middle and high school teams gave out awards.

Seven runners achieved the 100-mile club during the summer, covering that amount of distance practicing before the season began. These runners were Sergio Martinez, Aidan Evans, Ava Wilson, Cody Radford, Dawson McMillan, Blair Golden and Larkin Saylor.

Assistant coach Kelly Golden said the mileage was a goal for the runners. Those achieving the milestone received T-shirts. Near the end of the banquet, Tifton's Best Running owner Don Borowski said he was inspired by Martinez, who admitted he should have worked harder. All of those in the 100-mile club were welcomed to come to Tifton's Best Running for new shoes.

Perfect attendance honors went to 13 runners who participated in every regular season meet during the season. High school winners were Lola Reynolds, Emmalyn Lukas, Evans, Russ Benton, Jackson Shirts, McMillan and Golden. Middle schoolers at every meet were Henry Anderson, Kason Horner, Kellan Lukas, Logan Mathis, Katherine Currie and Mazie Werner.

After certificates of participation were given to all middle school runners, further awards were handed out.

Bailey Brock had the highest grade-point average for the Lady Devils. Two boys tied with an average of 97.13666667, Saylor and Horner.

Currie and Anderson received Most Improved honors. Coaches' awards went to Brock and Saylor.

Jovia Burke and Anderson earned Most Valuable awards.

Before the high school squads presented their awards, the runners themselves had the opportunity to do some honors of their own. Seniors recognized their most inspirational teachers, who had been invited to the banquet. Seniors also gave out silly awards to underclassmen, with such certificates as "Team Mom," "Will PR (personal record) for cash" and "Doesn't break a sweat."

Lettermen awards kicked off that portion of the night for the high school. Golden explained that to earn a letter runners must be in the top 10 on the roster and run 70% of the meets for two years.

Lady Devils earning varsity letters were Wilson, Reynolds, Maddie Perrin, Kathryn Payne, Claire Martin, Jennifer Sandoval, Lukas, Hannah Larger, Keira Gibbs and Lauren Brey. Blue Devils varsity letter winners were Hayden Roberts, Martinez, McMillan, Golden, Anthony Falatico, Evans, Owen Davies and Benton.

Following the delivery of participation certificates, state teams were announced.

"Tough, tough meets," said Golden.

Martinez and Wilson were recognized as captains by head coach Cindy Marzen. Wilson was the earlier winner of the Team Mom award. Marzen pointed out that Martinez was an equally good Team Dad.

Seniors were given the traditional blankets for their years of dedication to the program. Four runners, Perrin, Brey, Larger and Evans, were additionally honored for running all seven years. Each senior signed the cross country flag that is carried to meets.

Academic honors went to Perrin and Davies.

Lukas and Falatico earned Most Improved. Wilson and Martinez went back up to the stage as the winners of Coaches' awards. Richard Golden, who assists with the teams, described the Coaches' awards as the "Epitome of what we're trying to project as a cross country runner."

Reynolds and Golden were Most Valuable.

Tucker Dowdy passed the cross country flag to Wilson.

Marzen gave out special recognition to Tift Schools' administration, the booster club, the Sunbelt Running Club and the parents of the athletes. She also thanked the bus drivers, Borowski and the families who have provided the trail horses at home meets.

Taqueria Hermanos Chavez provided the banquet meal.