The names have become familiar in recent years.
Caitlin Connell, Anna Dean, Whitley Kennedy, Skyler Lowe, William Wright and Alex Martinez are just a few of the student-athletes whose names have been appearing weekly in our sports section for their accomplishments for the Winder-Barrow High School cross country program.
Cross country, probably as much as any sport, demands self dedication. It’s not for everyone. You don’t compete in front of a packed stadium or gym. You often are on your own as you make your way through a course which features hills and other rugged terrain.
Yet, the awards are great from the knowledge of being in top physical condition to helping your school’s program being successful. Under the direction of coaches Michael Lofton and Amanda Partee-Manders, the Bulldoggs and Lady Bulldoggs continue to run, continue to shine, continue to excel and continue to earn high finishes against top competition.
This past weekend was no exception. The team competed in the Battle of Atlanta and once again had several runners set personal records. Both the WBHS boys and girls were in the Top 10 Saturday during the event held in McDonough. Connell once again led the WBHS girls with a 20:27 (person best for this fall) and was 8th overall among a large field of runners. Wright’s time of 17:31 earned top honors for the WBHS boys.
In recent years, the Lady Bulldoggs have been dominant against region competition as have the WBHS boys.
They will get an early region preview Saturday when they run at the Horse Park in Conyers. Overall, 66 teams will take part in Saturday’s race, which has become a big event on the cross country calendar.
The WBHS coaches will push their runners to prepare for the type of course they will endure in Conyers.
“It’s another big event for us,” Coach Lofton said. “Our runners have already accomplished a great deal this season, but we have not accomplished everything we want to get done. We still have more goals to accomplish and more goals to reach. Doing well this weekend will be one of those goals.”
Given the recent efforts of the WBHS runners, no doubt Saturday will turn out to be a memorable day as well.
This group of WBHS student-athletes have shown they have what it takes to be successful.
Chris Bridges is sports editor of the Barrow Journal. You can reach him at cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
