Season Preview: Cross Country

A new era begins for Tallulah Falls Cross Country as Jamie Jimison takes over the program following the retirement of long-time coach Scott Neal. The same high expectations exist, and Jimison has a great core of experienced runners to pace the course this fall.

"Both boys and girls cross country teams have the tools to do special things this season," states Jimison. "I can't wait to see the progress they make as the season unfolds."

Lady Indians

The Lady Indians secured a 7th-place finish in the State Championships last season, marking a second year in a row coming in seventh. These remain the only two instances in program history that the girls have finished top-10. Jimison will rely on a veteran team that includes seniors Carsyn Griffis and Meredith Orr, as well as top returning runner Olivia Henderson, a junior. Henderson holds the fifth spot on the TFS Legacy List with a PR of 21:39 set last season, and came in 19th individually at state, which is the 4th-best state finish in Lady Indians history.

"I am overjoyed with the work these young ladies are doing so far," exclaims Jimison. "We have returned a great core and have also brought in some talented and motivated newcomers."

Fellow junior Avery Keim (22:07 PR) is also back as the number two runner based on time. Joining those four are seniors Emily Cai, Carlota Martinez Herreros, Mara Pejanovic, and Sophie Williams-Angmor, juniors Delaney Johnson, Sienna Slater, Rafaela Almeida Leao, Megan Prince (manager), sophomores Joana Huang and Leyre Martinez Herreros, as well as star freshman Mary Kate Ball and classmate Georgia Phillips. Tallulah Falls, which is hoping to best its 3rd-place run at region last year, has put in the work over the summer to be ready for the season-opener on August 16 at the Northeast Georgia Championships. The schedule includes several home meets, and the fall season will close October 25 in the GIAA State Championships.

Indians

Likewise, the Indians bring back their core runners from last season - a 4th-place team finish at state that is a program best. Since 2019, the boys have finished at state in the top-20, including a pair of top-10s. TFS came in third last year at region, but have a group that's capable of besting that this fall.

Leading the field is junior Teagan Penland, who holds the second spot on the TFS Legacy List with a 16:27 PR behind only '22 grad Evan Prince. Penland was ninth individually at state, becoming one of only nine top-10 performances for the boys all-time. He was an All-State selection as well as All-Region. Fellow junior Ryan Anderson returns as well, with other returning harriers Sam Belk, Steven Jackson, Morgan Martin, and Caleb Kelly.

"This is an exciting group of young men," adds Jimison. "We have a strong nucleus of returners and some strong newcomers as well. They have been working hard and growing together."

Freshmen Sebastian York, Kaden Purcell, Noah McClain, and Javier Rodriguez Manrique will push the veterans, and other newcomers to the roster include juniors Gonzalo Martinez and Hawk Oliver, sophomores Eric Guan, Hudson Penland, and Guilherme Martins de Souza, and seniors Francisco Moreira and Cordoso Mori Vieira. The Indians start their season in the August 16 Northeast Georgia Championships, and home events include: Gorge to Beach 3K XC Gathering, TFS Heroes Invitational, Cookies 'n Quotes XC Festival, Southern Traditions XC Jamboree, and the TFS Harrier Harvest (subject to change).

SCHEDULE

ROSTER - BOYS | GIRLS

PROGRAM HISTORY & RECORDS - BOYS | GIRLS