BRISTOL — For the third year in a row, the Lebanon Harriers are district champions.
After winning two Hogoheegee titles, the move to the SWD didn’t slow the Pioneers down. Led by Eli Taylor, Lebanon rolled to the team championship. The Pioneers had a team score of 19 points, easily outdistancing Marion at 58 on Wednesday at Sugar Hollow Park.
Taylor took the individual title in 16:48 to stun teammate Derek Mitchell (16:50), who had won the individual championship the past two years in the Hogoheegee and the Class 1 state title last year. Alec Deckard (16:55) came next, as Lebanon runners took the top three spots.
“Derek was hurting a lot,” said Taylor of Mitchell, who suffered a cramp near the finish. “It might have been by default, but it feels good to win. I’m happy. I’ve never won a race before on varsity, but I feel bad for Derek.”
Taylor passed Mitchell as they went around the final turn.
“That’s a big win for Eli to be the district champ on our team,” said Lebanon coach Travis Hooker. “I’m proud of his work. It’s a big day for Eli, we’ll take whichever one’s there as long as it’s one of ours.”
Carter Dillon (17:53) had a sixth-place finish, and Blake Chafin (17:58.9) ran a great race to finish in ninth. Emmitt Breeding (18:58.9) was 12th and Charlie Brown (19:02.7) 13th in an excellent day for the Pioneers, with seven runners in the top 15.
“The biggest thing today, my front three, was all together. Carter and Blake were right there together,” Hooker said. “We went as a group, and that’s what you need in cross country, I think my six and seven PR’d today, the back end did great. Everyone did their job, we’re training for region and state. Bigger goals are ahead, but we will take another district championship.”
The Region 2D meet will be held at Sugar Hollow Park next Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m.