FAIRVIEW INVITATIONAL: Cullman sweeps large-school crowns; Good Hope’s Phillips snags small-school individual title
Published 3:45 pm Monday, September 17, 2018
- Cullman’s Jennifer Aviles sprints down the course during the large-school race.
FAIRVIEW — Cullman’s cross country squads swept the large-school titles, while Good Hope’s Bijou Phillips claimed the individual girls crown in the small-school competition at Saturday’s Fairview Invitational.
Will Thompson (second), Edgar Medina (third), Jackson Tucker (fifth), Adam Mangum (ninth) and Walker Huddleston (16th) helped the Black and Gold secure their second straight 5A-7A title at the event, while Bernarda Tizapa (third), Della Kelly (fourth), Jennifer Aviles (eighth), Ivy Edge (11th) and Tess Heaton (12th) aided the Lady Bearcats, who won the Bearcat 2-mile last week, in accomplishing the same feat.
All and all, a perfect day for coach Trent Dean.
“We were pleased with the success,” he said. “With the summer training we did, we knew we’d come out and run strong. We’re in a position now to make adjustments and progress from week-to-week. We like where we’re at right now. We did a lot of good things positionally and with matchups. Our times will take care of themselves if we do those things correctly.”
Phillips, meanwhile, sped to a time of 20:59.54 in the 1A-4A race to secure yet another individual victory.
The freshman standout also won at the Mortimer Jordan Invitational and is seeking to build upon what’s already been an impressive campaign moving forward.
“I started out pretty fast at a good pace,” Phillips said. “I tried to push it through the rest of the way. I’m pretty happy with my time. I was hoping for a better time, but I’m not disappointed. I’m definitely hoping that I can break 20 (minutes) this season. I’d obviously like to win more races, too, and qualify for state.”
St. Bernard’s girls placed second (1A-4A) behind top 10 efforts from Chloe Tumbo (fourth), Emma Powell (fifth) and Claire Sanders (eighth). Fairview, which finished fourth overall, secured solid outings from Angelica Antibero (10th), Alyssa Harper (16th) and Carrington Chambers (17th).
Holly Pond, which came in eighth, was paced by Maritza Ramon (23rd).
St. Bernard (third) and Fairview (fourth) both ran well in the small-school boys race.
The Saints were led by Joey McCarthy (fourth) and Joseph Arriaga (18th), while the Aggies collected top contributions from A.B. Diaz (eighth), Peyton Bailey (11th), Keagan Hardin (16th) and Daniel Cook (17th).
Holly Pond, spearheaded by Conner Lowery (41st), placed 10th overall.