Cross Country Eagles Ready For Start

“Cale has improved, but he is not close to reaching his best,” said coach Bob Roller.

Senior Kyle Wood will boost a young group of juniors including Edward Stone, Stuart Robinett, Mike Adair, and Adrian Woodruff, along with sophomores Tyler Cone and Cory McClung.

“We will have a spirited group for the team competition which will make us a better practice team, but which team in the region we will be better than is a major question,” Roller said. “We cannot overlook anyone, but we will run our best in October.”

Rounding out the team are Steven Bramlett, Sam Derochers, Rhett Vanderford, Quinton Rice, Lee Scroggs, Jake Thaxton, and Jordan Presley.

For the girls, Roller said the team’s issue, like that of a number of teams, is a lack of depth.

“We have a good core, but an injury or two could drop us fast in the team standings,” he said. “I like our teams, boys and girls, and they are working hard, but the heat has prevented us from moving forward as fast as the coaches (assistant coaches Carly Parr and Matt Gibbs) would like. We will be better in the cooler months if we can stay injury free.”

All-State runner Sherri Blalock is returning for her senior year. She will lead a host of seasoned underclassmen in her final year as a Lady Eagle.

“Sherri is showing the vocal leadership and work habits that are pushing the others to perform better,” Roller said.

Her teammates include 2009 All-Region juniors Amanda Anderson and Skyler Cozzens.

“They are stronger physically and are becoming better runners each day,” Roller said.
Juniors Courtney Clarke and Courtney McDowell are keeping pace with the others and improving, Roller said.

“We will run as a pack with the top group and sophomore Sheena McEachin and freshmen McKenzie Parr are improving and staying with the returning runners.”

Roller added that sophomore Caroline Flynn is making strides toward the top group, while sophomores Cora McDowell, Elizabeth Allred, and Corbin Williams continuing to improve as well.

Following the Aug. 28 opening meet, East Jackson will take part in the Orthopedic Run at Carrollton on Sept. 11, followed by the West Hall Invitational in Oakwood on Sept. 14. That will be followed by the fourth annual Eagle Run at EJCHS on Sept. 18.