Southern Gap freshman Katelyn Wolford made an early statement against some of the area’s top cross country runners Wednesday, Aug. 26, placing third at the 17th annual Travis Hooker Through the Pines Invitational.
Wolford completed the 5,000-meter course at Lebanon Primary School in 23 minutes, 4.30 seconds. She led the Southern Gap girls in a field of 77 competitors representing schools and running clubs from across the region.
Only two runners finished ahead of Wolford. Abingdon junior Clara Bakker won the race in 21:53.50, while Abingdon sophomore Lily Morrow placed second in 22:18.70.
45.50 seconds, who placed fourth in 23:49.80. Lebanon sophomore Jalyn Osborne rounded out the top five in 24:05.90.
For Wolford, earning a medal against an experienced field was the result of the work she put into preparing for her first high school season.
“Placing third as a freshman meant a lot to me because I’ve worked really hard and stayed dedicated to my training,” Wolford said. “The race was tough, but I kept pushing and didn’t give up. I’m really proud of how I raced, and I’m thankful that God gave me the strength and ability to do it. I know that everything I accomplish is because of Him, and I just want to use the gifts He’s given me to glorify Him.”
Three Southern Gap teammates joined Wolford in the Eagles’ first appearance at the longstanding event.
Southern Gap sophomore Vieronika Silishchenko placed 21st in 26:22.90. Senior Kelly Ratliff finished 29th in 27:31.40, while senior Ava Ward placed 39th in 28:36.40.
The Eagles did not record a team score because they had four runners in the race. Five finishers are required to compile a team score.
Abingdon won the team championship with 25 points after placing five scoring runners among the top 13. Tazewell finished second with 76 points, followed by John S. Battle with 82.
Honaker placed fourth with 111 points, Lee was fifth with 112, the Virginia Bearcats finished sixth with 130 and John I. Burton placed seventh with 170.
