The CCHS cross country team has been setting the woods on fire, so to speak. One could smell the rubber burning from the running shoes when they travelled to Calhoun County to participate in the Calhoun County Invitational.

They have been running the hills and valleys putting Clay on the map as far as extreme sports go. Cross country isn’t just track and field but an extreme show of guts and determination not for the faint at heart. The CCHS and CCMS teams were both in the event, and boy howdy, did they prove they are a force!

The CCHS boys and girls both earned first place as teams and brought the big trophy to the halls of CCHS. Sharina Ratliff was the top sole burner for the girls placing third. They also placed five in the top ten. Isaiah Spencer was top gun on the boys team placing fourth, just seconds behind first place. The boys placed six runners in the top ten. The CCMS team also did very well at the Invitational.

The Lady Mustangs placed second in the event, and the boys brought home the gold by taking first. Ashlee Butcher was the top runner on the lady’s team placing sixth. Individually, Grant Young was the only runner from either school to take home first place. He completed an explosive run notching up a fast time of 12:36.00, a good ten seconds in front of the second place runner. Owen Bass took third and Drew Ferrebee placed fifth rounding out the top five. They placed first as a team.

The cross country teams are making a name for themselves in the world of trail running. The CCHS team will be running their last meet before the LKC run. They run Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Capitol Raising the Bar Invitational. The CCMS team will be at the Battle Run Invitational this Saturday. Both teams are in their final stretch of their season and have done a great job representing this county. If you get the chance, come out and watch pure grit and strength of mind in action.