Second-year Madison County High School cross country coach Tim Cornett hopes to be writing “PR (personal record)” next to a lot of his runners’ times this fall.
With a host of runners returning this year, there’s potential for improved times across the board, he said.
“We expect individual time improvement from last year to this year, and we anticipate an improved team average considering the increased team depth,” Cornett said.
On the boys’ side, Cornett looks for a strong senior season out of Scott Barnes, who’s progressed every year, he says.
“He came on strong at the end of last year’s season and he’s off to a good start this year,” Cornett said.
But Madison County also saw three freshmen step up last year — Corey Brakhage, Mauro Ortiz and Dalton Owensby — and there’s potential for the trio to get faster this fall.
“They learned a lot in their freshman season, and we anticipate a great season for these three,” Cornett said.
Cornett also expects Chris Brown, Chris Dove, Crew Mayne, Chaves Smith and Jessie Wade to make varsity contributions.
And don’t forget those youngsters, Cornett said.
“More so this year than previous years, we have a large JV group that seems to be hungry to displace someone to make that step up to varsity,” Cornett said.
The girls’ team has just one returning runner, Alexia Supakorndej. “She has the advantage of experience, but we have great additions this year,’” Cornett said.
Those additions include Elise Coberly, Haley Costello, Mendi Cromer and Jenna Jansen.
Madison County hosted a scrimmage race against Hart County, Aug. 25, but the heat and course conditions proved tough for Madison County’s runners.
Times, however, improved Saturday when the team ran at a more runner-friendly course at Athens Christian School.
Brakhage, who finished 27th, led the varsity boys with an 18:48. Jansen set the pace for the varsity girls, running a 26:47. She finished 56th overall.
“All in all, ACS was a great starting point for the season,” Cornett said.
Of course, the team’s sights are on the Oct. 31 region meet.
That’s when Cornett hopes to be recording a lot PRs in the books.
“As always, we prioritize the region championship race held on Oct. 31 this year,” he said. “Our goal is to peak at that race.”
NORTHEAST GEORGIA CHAMPIONSHIPS
Varsity boys’ race
Corey Brakhage (27) 18:48
Dalton Owensby (76) 20:14
Scott Barnes (86) 20:30
Jessie Wade (93) 20:39
Chaves Smith (147) 22:34
Chris Dove (159) 23:10
Crew Mayne (173) 23:54
Chris Brown (179 24:47
Junior varsity boys’ race
Codey Brakhage (51) 22:22
Morgan Mena (69) 22:57
Drew Cofer (103) 24:28
Brent Coggins (111) 22:48
Austin Kelley (117) 25:00
Mark Pulliam (143) 26:54
Taylor Crouse (157) 28:17
Kyle Manning (162) 30:55
Blayne McElroy (170) 31:08
Varsity girls’ race
Jenna Jansen (56) 26:47
Elise Coberly (59) 27:06
