Watson High School Cross Country Classic

Choctaw Trails Clinton, MS

Oct 14, 2023

Last Year's Meet

Boys Gold Race:

Records on the Line: As the echoes from their impressive runs at Jesse Owens still resonate, Mississippi's elite target Christian Balcer's 15:15 Choctaw course record, emboldened by the favorable 63º forecast.
Mississippi's Star: JaQuavian Bryant, holding the best time amongst Mississippi runners and fresh off his top Mississippi finish at Jesse Owens, has his eyes set on glory, but teammate and training partner Farren Oberto, as well as Tupelo's Andrew Brown, are certainly within striking distance.
Ruston's Return: Ruston, with their lethal duo, Thomas Rogers and Taylor Roller, whose PRs mirror each other, come back seeking not just individual accolades but also team glory on a course they're no strangers to.
Mississippi's Legacy Runner: Andrew Brown, whose name is already whispered amongst the greats of Mississippi running, is ready to challenge the leaders, leveraging his bold racing style.
The Dark Horses: William Fugate and Taylor Brown, who stamped their personal bests at Watson last year, are poised to surprise many, potentially delivering season-best performances. Other dark horses included the likes of Graham Weiss, Colin Brannon, Gavin Brown, Aiden Monistere, Giles Jones, Sam Johnson, and Jeb Hamilton, all poised for a coveted top-10 finish at Watson.
Team Tug-of-War: The fierce team rivalry between Pearl High and Ruston is palpable, with the outcome potentially swaying on the performances of supporting runners like Tanner Moore and Maxi Duran.

Girls Gold Race:

Breaking Boundaries: Fresh from her sub-18 minute triumph at Jesse Owens, Kaitlyn Burge is on a course record-smashing mission, propelled by the cool weather and her aggressive running ethos.
Chasing the Champion: With Brookelyn Morgan and Lilly Overby consistently upping their game, the gap to the frontrunner Kaitlyn Burge seems ever-shrinking. As a matter of fact, Overby dethroned Burge at the 2023 Frank Horton Night Classic, and should be poised for. another exciting rematch.
New Contenders: Grace Rennhoff, buoyed by her recent 3-mile success, and Jenna Key, with her impressive Watson history, are emerging as fresh threats for the gold.
Team Dynamics: The formidable St. Joseph's Academy looks set to rule the team standings, but Mississippi's own Tupelo High is primed for a podium spot, closely tailed by Hernando High, St. Andrew's Episcopal, and East Rankin Academy.
Louisiana's Ambush: The Louisiana schools, especially C.E. Byrd with their commendable team average, are ready to spring a surprise, signaling an exhilarating contest for team honors.
The Dark Horses: Don't shrug your shoulders at the likes of Layla Warren, Sophie Santucci, Alex Lee, Grace Hoeniges, Elise Brown, Michelle Daigle, Katherine Neal, all big-time performers in the fight for a top-10 finish... or better.