Comment
Print
The Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons are state champions. The girls' cross country team placed five of seven runners inside the top 40 (of 98 participants) to take the top spot at the 1A Cross Country State Championships January 23rd in Kernersville. Senior Kilia Hasty paced the Lady Gryphons, finishing the 5,000 meter course (3.1 miles) in 20 minutes and 37 seconds. The average time for all seven TJCA runners was 21:57, edging out second place Pine Lake Prep by seven seconds. As a result, TJCA captured the first ever team state championship in school history.
The historical nature of the accomplishment is not lost on TJCA cross country head coach Eric Scruggs.
"I feel like we just broke the ice," Scruggs said. "I am glad to have coached the first team, but I also know how hard all the coaches at TJ work and expect other teams and sports to soon bring home their sports highest honor. I am so glad to bring this championship home to represent all past, present and future Gryphons."
In order to win that first title, TJCA, like every other team, had to overcome difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19.
"This was a highly unusual year due to the COVID restrictions," Scruggs said. "We did not start until November which is when we usually finish the season. We started workouts in June when the state gave its approval and just kept at it, not even knowing if we would have a season. The later official start in November forced us to adjust to weather and colder temperatures. I told the team the ones who adjust the best and the fastest will be the most successful. Our regional race was held at Bryson City in snow and sleet. Then the state championship at Kernersville in cool but sunny weather. The athletes stepped up and ran every race as if conditions were not a factor."
Even though cross country is sometimes viewed as an individual sport, Scruggs says the girls' team first attitude was a big reason behind its success.
"This team ran with a love and joy for the sport in practice and especially at the races," he said. "They supported each other and had fun. Each runner gave the best they had, not for individual success but to support each other for team success."
Scruggs then highlighted several individual accomplishments by his runners, led by a trio of seniors.
"We had three senior captains this year. These girls have been together since 2018 when we finished fourth at the state championship. Kilia, who has been our number one runner for the last four years, inspired and pushed all the girls to be their best. Kilia may be the best runner this school has ever produced. Her work ethic and will to win are rare qualities. She has signed to run at Montreat College. Hannah Haynes is just a tremendous athlete. She always was ready to compete. Laurie Griffith has steadily improved and was a key part of our success the last four years. (Underclassmen) Kaitlyn Rowe will be returning and will be very important to next year. Emma Deviney has great potential and we expect her to be even better. Audrey Friedman is a freshman and I am excited to see just how good she can be. Maddie Connor, Maylan Maxwell and Leigh Buroughs were also key parts of the team's success this year and I expect they will become contributors to our success next year."
Due to the talents of each of his runners, Scruggs knew his team had a chance to do something special.
"We set goals every year and this year it was win conference, win regional and win state," he said. "We accomplished all 3 and finished undefeated in every race we ran. I knew before the first meet this team could be very special. They have set a very high bar for team success."
The Lady Gryphons will look to once again meet those high standards as they have hopes of defending their state title next Fall.
