Jackson County standout runner Brittany Aikens grabbed her first victory of the year Thursday at Banks County, and in the process, helped lift the Lady Panthers to their first team win as well.
The Jackson County boys finished fourth.
“I was happy obviously with the girls because we won and we continue to get better,” coach Joseph Brubaker said. “We went there to learn how to train and how to race a little better and we accomplished that. I was proud of how hard they ran.”
Both teams ran in demanding conditions Thursday. In addition to high temperatures, runners had to navigate a tough, hilly course with several areas that lacked stability.
“The team really seemed to learn how to race and battle through some adversity,” Brubaker said.
Both the boys’ and girls’ teams have a big meet looming, the Eagle Run at East Jackson Sept. 18. That meet will feature 15 to 20 schools and includes all of Jackson County’s Region 8-AA rivals.
Brubaker also wants to add a Sept. 23 meet at Athens Christian to the schedule. Jackson County started the season at ACS Aug. 28 at the Northeast Georgia Championships.
As for Thursday’s meet, Brubaker said Jackson County’s top girls’ runner, Aikens, continues to get better. But he also noted strong efforts from Rachel Pasko, who finished second, and Michayla Scollon, who finished fifth. Maddie Newton (sixth) and Sydney Baird (eighth) added top 10 finishes for the girls.
On the boys’ side, freshman J.T. Wood (11th overall) led Jackson County. Other notables were Jonathon Mayfield (19th) and Tyler Manculich (24th).
Brubaker noted the continued improvement of Jayli Her, who ran a 24:00 Thursday.
