The Columbia Academy Lady Cougars’ winning streak came to an end at the MRA Invitational at Choctaw Trails in Clinton Sept. 20, but they put up an epic battle, finishing second just ahead of the No. 1-ranked team in the state, Jackson Prep.
In a meet that had 44 total schools and over 330 varsity runners registered, the defending MAIS 6A champions, MRA, defeated CA.
CA placed six runners in the Top 25, led by Charlee Brees Franks in ninth. Macy Robertson finished 11th, followed by Madelyn McKenzie in 12th, Briley Speights 22nd, Blair Pounds 23rd and Natalie Ragan 24th. Robertson, Speights and Pounds set personal records. Also setting personal records were Mendi Stringer, Bryleigh Robertson, Emmi Burrell and Ainsley Armstrong.
“I was very proud of these girls,” cross country coach Duane Powell said. “Some of them were a little off, but overall I was well satisfied. Franks was back from her illness and wasn’t 100%, but she still had a solid race. The competition was fierce, and they showed they can compete with anybody.”
The boys team finished a respectable eighth out of 21 complete teams. Casey Haddox finished 12th to lead the Cougars, running under 19 minutes for the first time with a time of 18:52. He was followed by sixth-grader Jaxson Speights in 39th with a great time and personal record of 20:52. Jessie Harvey finished 50th, with Ethan Armstrong in 58th and Braden Ladd in 72nd to round out the Top 5 for CA. All three finished with personal records. Also setting personal records were Ian McEwen and Aiden McEwen.
“These boys continue to improve and make me smile. I could never ask for a harder working group,” Powell said. “I’m beginning to think they may make some noise at the championship meet.”
On Sept. 27, CA competed in the Simpson Academy Invitational in Magee. This was another big meet with a total of 40 schools registered.
It didn’t look like it would be a good day for the Lady Cougars as three of their top seven runners were out injured or sick. However, they used that as motivation, and with their backs against a wall, they dedicated their effort to their injured teammates to win their sixth meet of the sesaon.
With their first four finishing in the Top 10, it was a great showing, but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory alone. The Lady Cougars also needed a good finish from their fifth runner, Zoey Daley, who is normally their eight runner. She finished 38th, beating her personal record by over 42 seconds, to vault CA into first place.
Finishing in the Top 10 were Charlee Brees Franks in second and Natalie Ragan in fourth. Then came a rarity with Briley Speights and Macy Robertson tying for fifth, both with personal record times.
“This was an amazing effort. These young ladies absolutely have no fear,” Powell said. “Zoey really stepped up when we needed it. I’m so proud of all of them. I’m especially proud of Madison Bond, who has fought a very painful hip injury all season. She tried to run to help her team, but had to drop out. Also, Mendi Stringer ran with her arm in a full cast and did well. I’ve never witnessed such determination from a group of athletes.”
The Cougars had their best meet of the season with a fourth place finish overall and first place among 5A teams. Casey Haddox led the Cougars in 11th place with the fastest time by a CA runner since 2017. He ran 18:12 to place him among the Top 10 best CA runners of all-time.
Jaxson Speights finished 27th, followed by Braden Ladd in 39th, Jessie Harvey 44th and Ethan Armstrong 47th.
“These young men really stepped up. I’m very proud of them,” Powell said. “Speights is only a sixth-grader and is beginning to run like a seasoned runner. Haddox is absolutely on fire. As a sophomore, he’s still developing and learning. However, he has the talent to run at the next level if he wants it.”
The CA cross country teams travel to Natchez for the Cathedral Invitational Monday.
