VHA Elementary XC Runs Well
Courtesy of VHA
The Vidalia Heritage Academy Elementary Boys Cross Country team started off strong this season, showing off talent and some promising new runners.
At their season opener on August 9, the team took home the championship in their division at the Augusta Eagles meet. The boys were led by Gabriel Strickland, who finished 2nd overall with a 1 mile time of 6:28. He was followed by Hudson Curl (3rd), Chandler Tapley (5th), James Ray (6th), Nash Moore (7th), and Tanner Posey (10th).
New runners Chandler Tapley and Nash Moore made an immediate impact, alongside first-year runners Oliver Wilcher, Jacob Blanchard, Aiden Pineda, and Micah Powell. With the roster being so young, there's excitement about the team's growth this season.
The team continued its strong performance on September 6, traveling to Fayetteville to compete in the Konos Academy Flyover Series. Tackling a longer distance of 1.2 miles, they earned a 3rd place finish in their 10-team division, with Gabriel Strickland once again leading the way, placing 3rd individually with a time of 7:57, 10 seconds behind the leader.
Also, in the Girls Elementary School division, Presley Goss placed 3rd out of 67 competitors.
Most recently, on Monday, September 15, the team competed in the Gator Invitational hosted by Bulloch Academy, gaining more experience and momentum.
Looking ahead, the Elementary Eagles are preparing for their Championship Meet on October 4, where they will return to Fayetteville for the final race of the season. These athletes have been putting in hard work at practices four to five days a week, with several students — even some as young as first grade — running upwards of 10 miles per week. Coaches, families, and fans alike are eager to see continued progress and fast times from this promising group of young runners.
