Gilmer High cross-country ended its season as the 15th best team in the state.
The GHS Lady Cats attended the Class 3A state meet last Saturday in Carrollton. It marked their second consecutive trip after they proved to be the top team in the region a week prior.
GHS shook off a slew of injuries in the final weeks of the season and still ranked among the best in 3A. Top runner, freshman Ella Schwartz, did not run the final six weeks of the season. Salma Gonzalez was out three weeks ahead of the sectional meet, as was fellow senior Lauren Smith.
“I’m so proud of them for overcoming so many injuries,” head coach Tommy Jones said. “It was amazing that we did as well as we did. We ran great. This has been the only team to win a region championship in all my years of coaching.”
Sophomore Summer Muxlow of North Hall earned her individual title in 19:23.03.
Jennifer Garcia was the first Lady Cat to finish in 23rd with a time of 22:09.00. Next up was Gonzalez in 23:16 for 73rd, and Jayla Walker cracked the top 100 as well in 91st at 25:12.
They were trailed by teammates Estephany Becerra (108, 26:18.00), Liz Gonzalez (112, 26:35.00) and Smith (117, 26:51.00). Allison Hernandez was injured during the race and finished 121st at 26:59.00.
Gilmer’s team score was 392. North Hall won the team title with 63. Oconee County was second ahead of Dawson County in second place, 106-134.