Freshmen Newcomers Look to Make an Name For Themselves

Freshmen Newcomers Look to Make an Name For Themselves

    Unlike the girls, these boy's haven't quite made it to the top ranks of the state just yet. However, make no mistake these boys cannot be slept on.

    The top dog in this group is Caden Miracle (awesome name). The Bell County young gun has won just about everything in the middle school ranks and he's ready to make the jump. He proved that last year at the Class AA State XC Meet that he was primed to make a leap as he finished 8th with his fastest time ever at 17:07.48. A few weeks before he claimed the title in the Middle School State Championship running a 13:20.08 and also holds a 1600m state championship to his name. Watch out for him to continue his growth throughout the season.

    Right behind Miracle is Apollo's Thomas Ashby. He'll play an integral role in getting Apollo back to the top 5 conversation as they return a strong core of very young talent. He hasn't run track so what kind of shape he's in is largely a mystery to anyone not in the Apollo organization. Ashby has a 17:09.57 5k PR which, like Miracle, was also run at the state meet, just in the Class AAA race where he placed 40th. It may take a little while, but don't be surprised to see Ashby competing for top 10 spots in races this year. 

    The last of the top 3 has competed with Miracle in plenty of races in his life, often right behind. Ethan McCarty out of Marshall County will attempt to prove that he can run with the big dogs this year. As I mentioned he has been a force in the middle school ranks finishing 2nd at the KTCCCA Meet of Champions and 2nd in the 1600m at Middle School state as well as a 5th place in the 3200m later that same day for the double. However, his 5k performances have room for improvement if he's going to contend at the high school level. Don't get me wrong, he has a load of talent and I fully expect him to make a big jump in the coming years, but it may take a little time and consistency.   

Miracle and McCarty go 1-2 in the MS Championships 1600m