Excerpt from a post on the DHS XC Website from Coach Boucher
On one of the wettest and muddiest days in State Cross Country history in Georgia, the Dunwoody Wildcats came ready for the conditions and exceeded expectations with a very memorable day. It was a historic day for all that were there, and we’re all still trying to recover from the shock and excitement!
The boys started off the day on the muddy Carrollton course determined to improve on their 21st place showing in 2014. They did just that, with a strong 19th place finish for the young team. The boys were led by Sam Mahle, who capped a remarkable Freshman year by finishing 46th overall in the boys 5A race (the 4th fastest Freshman in the race), and also saw strong races from Jackson Watson and Sasha Herod. Overall, it was a strong finish to the boys season in tough conditions, and has the coaching staff excited for 2016 and beyond. Full race results for the boys can be found here.
As the girls toed the line, the skies opened up, to the delight of the team that had prepared by running in mud all week. As the girls race unfolded, it was clear that Dunwoody was well prepared to seize on the opportunity in front of them, moving up throughout the race. Surprising everyone (including herself) Samantha Cameron found herself in the lead halfway through the race and charged home as the Girls 5A State Champion, followed closely behind by teammate Kelly May Sheehan in 2nd place. Senior Ansley Heavern also earned Individual Honors for her 8th place finish. Senior Ann-Marie Sills moved up throughout the race to provide a much needed boost as the 4th runner for the team, followed closely by teammates Ally Womble, Callie Dill, and Julia Echols. When the mud (not dust) had settled, the Wildcats had successfully defended their State Championship, defeating Creekview HS 70 to 113! Full race results for the girls can be found here.
This is the girls 3rd State Championship in 4 years, which puts them in a class of very few schools in Georgia. They are the most decorated girls cross country team in DeKalb County history, and have established a proud legacy and tradition. Samantha Cameron is the 2nd Individual State Champion for DHS, following in the footsteps of her sister, Alex, who won the crown in 2012. Ansley Heavern and Ann-Marie Sills will finish their cross country careers having run on three State Championship teams, a feat shared by few in the entire state of Georgia!
There are countless other stats that could be produced, but what is more important was the girls effort and attitude on Saturday. They did not back down from tough conditions and ran with a purpose to finish the day as the strongest team, and they accomplished that. The coaching staff could not be prouder of their efforts, along with the efforts of alternates Chloe Thomas, Sophia Tarrago, Julie Hensley, Kate Marion, and Olivia Vergura to train hard and prepare to race as well.
It was another great day for Dunwoody!
