An autumn tone was set at the recent Harrier Harvest cross country meet hosted by Tallulah Falls School on Oct. 18.
The meet was the final home meet for the 2016 season, with five TFS seniors recognized prior to the three running events. TFS meet organizers recognized the seniors from all schools represented at the meet – Lakeview Academy, Riverside Military Academy, Rabun County, Commerce, Towns County and Stephens County.
“At the TFS Farm course among a golden number of hay bales in tailgate-bending circular bundles and as far as a fleeting foot’s eye could see, 146 harriers within a trio of races darted 5K on what began as hot for the fall but dissipated into shadowy pleasant discomfort for the 5th annual Harrier Harvest,” said Athletic Director Scott Neal. “The meet is a showcase of reaping time in Northeast Georgia in which racers jump over hay bales at each mile and snake through a maze before sprinting to the finish.”
Juniors Reece Bates of Clarkesville and freshman Sophie Alexander of Sautee-Nacoochee created an exceptional celebration for Cross Country Senior Day by artistically detailing individual TFS posters resplendent in logos, colors, patterns, and special characteristics in addition to a flower and special gift and a team poster of visiting competitor seniors, Neal said.
Five Tallulah Falls School seniors were recognized at the recent Harrier Harvest meet held Oct. 18. Shown, from left, are, Anne Edwards of Sautee Nacoochee, Kaylee Baker of Demorest, Sunni Brett of Cornelia, Julia Nichols of Clarkesville and Michael Weidner of Clarkesville.
“We are proud of seniors Kaylee Baker [of Demorest], Sunni Brett [Cornelia], Anne Edwards [Sautee-Nacoochee], Julia Nichols [Clarkesville], and Michael Weidner [Clarkesville] and appreciate their parents and special guests escorting them in the celebration,” he said.
Junior Perry Gresham of Clarkesville placed second of 38 varsity runners while freshman Sophie Alexander scored 12 points. Bates, freshman Laurel Smith of Clayton, and junior Jenny Wang of China all placed in succeeding fashion without anyone else splitting their scores. Gresham, Alexander, Bates, Wang and Edwards all set season course bests. The Indians placed 5th overall.
Even while missing three of the top seven varsity runners – all TFS sophomores were on the annual Charleston trip – TFS boys placed third of seven teams, ahead of Region 8A schools Commerce and Towns County as well as Stephens County and Rabun County, Neal said.
Freshman Chris Geiger of Sautee-Nacoochee placed third overall while Weidner placed 8th. Freshman Caden Griffis of Martin and Ajani Knowles of Buford continue to improve, setting personal records despite the toughness of our home course. Geiger, freshman Jack Zhang of China, junior Jason Jia of China, and freshman David Cheng of China set course bests.
“Team Captain and manager Julia Nichols organized this year’s event, meaning she communicated with each visiting coach, organized the donation of hay bales and team folders, formed the music playlist, created the awards structure (and made the pumpkin pies and apple turnovers!), and demonstrated to all her exceptional leadership skills,” Neal said. “Coach Philip Chittaro of Lakeview made a deliberate point to praise Julia’s guidance, citing the memories built and the uniqueness of the meet. Others clearly appreciated an opportunity to strive gallantly while experiencing a unique setting of decorated pumpkins and harvest-themed decor.”
A special thanks goes to Susan Chester, who each years makes “The World’s Best Apple Pie” for the winning teams, Neal added.
“The pies are always a hot topic of conversation, pride, and memory for the winners. Thank you to Mr. Smith and Mr. Shirley for donating bales of hay, and the many volunteers for making this a GREAT event.”
The Area Championships are Thursday, October 27 at Athens Academy. From there, the top four teams and top six individuals advance to the State Championships in Carrollton. TFS results can be found here and below: https://ga.milesplit.com/meets/243907/teams/4745.
