The Armuchee Middle School boys’ cross country team finished in fifth place at the Georgia Middle School State Championship in 2024, one of their highest placements. Through months of rigorous training and multiple successful meets, the team broke new records. Their success on the competitive stage reflected their strong team culture, which drew runners in throughout the season. Their achievements not only raised the team’s competitive standing but also created a path for future runners to follow.
Many of the runners joined cross country for different reasons. Jack Pethel, eighth grader, and previously a football player, found his way to cross country after an arm injury prevented his participation in contact sports. He said, “Cross Country gave me a new way to compete and stay active”. To Pethel, cross country was a way to strengthen his health and endurance while staying with his friends. He said, “Others should join as well not only for the health benefits, but to also have fun with your friends.” Through his successful transition to the new sport, Pethel urged other athletes to join. He felt that joining had helped him improve his diet, endurance, and overall health. On the other hand, Connor Owens, eighth grader, joined after seeing the impact of the sport on those close to him. He said, “I joined because my brother and my friends were already in cross country.” Regardless of their initial motivations, the runners have found a sense of belonging and purpose through participation in the sport.
The carefully balanced approach to training was essential to the team’s development, combining immediate goals with long-term growth. Evan Dehart, seventh grader, discovered the benefits of this strategy during his time with the sport. He said, “When you focus on long-term benefits, it makes pushing through the tough moments easier.” Dehart believes the discipline they get from regular training helps in other areas of life, from academic to personal goals. This mindset helped many team members to maintain their motivation through challenging workouts and competitions. The middle school cross country team puts in a lot of effort to improve and maintain their standards.
Individual records and achievements were significant in the development. Last year’s accomplishments included Connor Owens’s notable two-mile record of 11:35, which continued to motivate current team members. Owens said, “Every practice was an opportunity to get better”. Owens revealed that he beat this record with his determination and strenuous practice. His record stayed proof of the results possible through dedicated training and tireless commitment. Owens’s achievement served as both a testimony and an inspiration, showing runners the extraordinary results possible with effort and determination while motivating the entire team to chase their goals.
The team found connections between teammates to be a defining characteristic of the sport’s success throughout the season. Many athletes, including Brantlee Beard, eighth grader, pointed to these relationships as a central part of their experience. He said, Under Mrs. Neighbors’ guidance, the team’s development flourished throughout every practice and meet. Brantlee Beard said, “The coach is helpful, and she pushes us to do the best that we can achieve.” He even noted that she followed up with the team to ensure everyone performed to the best of their abilities. The coach’s strategy proved that athletic success and character development could reinforce each other. Which created well-rounded athletes who carried their lessons of perseverance and teamwork into more aspects of their lives.
As their season concluded, the team’s fifth-place state championship finish stood as an artifact of their dedication and unity. Countless hours of training, strengthened by strong relationships and effective coaching. The foundation built this season inspires greater achievements. Their success came not only from individual practice, but also from mutual support. The Armuchee Middle School boys’ cross country continued their legacy of accomplishments in 2024 to inspire future generations of runners to create their own paths to excellence.
