Shelby Green, a sophomore at Armuchee High School, is your 2020 single A cross country state champion. To say the least, we are extremely proud of Shelby and everything she has been able to accomplish this season. When asked how she felt when hearing her name called as a state champ; Green said “Hearing my name called as a state champion was the most amazing feeling and felt very rewarding because in that moment I knew all the hard work and extra hours I put in had all paid off.”. Earlier in the season she was able to claim a region title, she said the difference in her training for region vs state was that when preparing for state she actually practiced less so that she could rest and not overwork her body. The night before each race she makes sure to eat a bowl of pasta for dinner so that she will have the energy she needs to run. Shelby’s favorite race this year was all area at Georgia Highlands because that is where she beat her personal record. Shelby is clearly one of the best runners in the state leading many to believe she has been running cross country for years; however, that is not the case, Green actually ran cross country for the very first time her freshman year. She told the Tribe Tribune she decided to start running because Coach Pierce asked her everyday to run, eventually convincing her to come to a practice and she immediately loved it. When asked what motivates Shelby to be great she replied “my family, my friends, and my teammates and coach Pierce; they are my biggest supporters and I am so grateful to have such encouraging people in my life”. Even though she has already had such an impressive career Shelby wants to accomplish more, she plans to win regional and state championships again next year in addition to being able to attend nationals and hopefully have the opportunity to get some college offers. Her ultimate goal is to run cross country at her dream school, Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. Her coach, Scott Pierce, says Shelby is so good because of how hard she works year round and because of how seriously she takes the sport. Coach Pierce says “It is great to coach someone like Shelby because she is a wonderful role model for others on the team, and she is very coachable and cooperative. We are lucky to have her on the team here at AHS.” Our hopes for Shelby is that she will stay healthy, continue to succeed, and hopefully see her run for a division 1 school one day. If you see Shelby in the hallway make sure to tell her congratulations!