Two runners finish in the top 10
By Shirley Shuman
Braxton County High’s girls’ cross country team had a goal this season, and they accomplished it last weekend. The Lady Eagles’ team won the AA cross country championship out of nine teams. This is the first cross country team state championship in the history of the school.
Braxton’s effort was led by Laura Cain and Addison Lloyd, both finishing in the top 10. A two-sport athlete, Cain crossed the finish line fifth and Lloyd was eighth. Lloyd also is a majorette and a band member. The rest of the team who ran Saturday and the order in which they finished included Leah Payne, Teagan Huff, Nicole Bramble, Bethany Payne, and Lindsay Tetrick.
Coach Jennifer Knowles, in her excitement with the win, declared, “When I say ‘tears of joy,’ I mean ‘tears of joy.’ I cried for our ladies because I am so happy for them! They have all worked so hard, and it has been my honor to be their coach.” She added, “They have worked through their obstacles, improved their times, and put lots of sweat and tears in their running! They are the most dedicated, determined, and hard-working ladies I have known. This championship is so well-deserved by them.”
Knowles acknowledged all those who she considered had a part in the team’s success—her assistant coach Robert Lloyd, athletic director Sharon Desper, superintendent Donna Burge-Tetrick, principal Lori Stover, and the entire board of education. She also thanked team parents and siblings. Then she declared, “We are Braxton County Eagles! We are Braxton County Strong!”