Indians Shine At OrthoWest

Courtesy of VHS

On Saturday, September 6, the Vidalia High School Indian Boys and Girls Cross Country teams traveled to Carrollton, Georgia, to compete in the highly competitive OrthoWest Invitational. The race was hosted by Carrollton High School and was held on the State Meet course. This meet served as a critical preview for the upcoming Georgia High School Association ( GHSA) Championships, offering teams a chance to test their mettle on a challenging course against top-tier competition.

The Vidalia Indians, known for their Region Championship pedigree, delivered standout performances, with key contributions from athletes like Cash Driggers, Greg Taylor, Wyatt Vassey, Simon Collins, Nick Foskey, Brennan Hammock, and Kartel Lane and for the girls, Judith Hussey, Emilynn Campbell, Cannon Sharpton, Giselle Garcia and Stella Siegmund.

Boys The Vidalia boys’ team showcased their depth and talent in the Small School Boys Race (Classes 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A), securing an impressive 5th-place finish overall. Senior Cash Driggers led the charge, running a strong race and finishing among the top individuals with a time that solidified his role as the team’s anchor. Junior Greg Taylor followed closely, posting a personal best and demonstrating his growth as a key scorer for the Indians. Freshman Wyatt Vassey, a rising star, continued to impress with a competitive time, further proving his potential after a stellar middle school career.

Junior Simon Collins ran with precision, contributing valuable points to the team’s score, while Nick Foskey’s grit and determination helped bolster the squad’s performance. The boys’ team score of 17 points in a previous meet this season set a high bar, and their performance at OrthoWest showed they remain a formidable force in the small school division. The team’s cohesive strategy and ability to pack their runners closely together were critical to their success, earning praise from coaches and spectators alike.

Girls

The Vidalia girls’ team also made their mark in the Small School Girls Race, competing against a talented field of 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A schools. Junior Judith Hussey led the Lady Indians with an outstanding time of 22:40, and showcasing her leadership and speed on the demanding Carrollton course. The girls’ team, while facing stiff competition, demonstrated resilience and teamwork, finishing strong in a race that included 33 teams. Their performance underscored the depth of the Vidalia program, with younger runners gaining valuable experience that will pay dividends as the season progresses.

The Indians hit the road Thursday, September 11, to compete in the South Georgia Championship at Jeff Davis Middle School.

Fans can follow the Vidalia Indians’ progress on the official Vidalia Athletics website (www. vidaliaathletics.com) and cheer them on at upcoming meets, including the Indian Invitational and RegionC hampionships. With their performance at the OrthoWest Invitational, the Vidalia Indian Boys and Girls Cross Country teams have sent a clear message: they are ready to run with the best in Georgia.