BRISTOL — The defending Class 1 cross country state champions took a big step in Class 2. Led by individual champion Derek Mitchell, Lebanon took the Gold on Wednesday at Sugar Hollow Park, winning the Region 2D title. The Pioneers scored 42 to defeat second-place Lee High (59) and third-place Wise Central (80).
“It’s great to win a 3rd consecutive title moving up to Region 2D,” Lebanon coach Travis Hooker said. “The boys have run great to accomplish that.”
After battling a cramp late in the Southwest District race last week, Mitchell rebounded with a time of 16:07.4 to win the region.
“Yes, it was a good bounce back for Derek,” said Hooker. “This is his first Region Title in XC after narrowly losing last year. He has a goal to be Region champion and State individual champion since the beginning, and he has set himself up well to accomplish those goals.”
The Lebanon boys again dominated, placing four runners in the top ten. In addition to Mitchell, Alec Deckard (16:48.4) came in third, with Eli Taylor (16:51.2) grabbing fourth. Carter Dillon (17:14.9) had a great run to finish tenth.
“The top four ran great,” Hooker said. “Carter Dillon running in 10th for a big PR, and Alec Deckard and Eli Taylor with top-four finishes.”
The Lebanon girls also had a strong showing paced by senior Katie Jones (23:07.7), who came in ninth and was an individual qualifier for state. The Lebanon girls finished in fourth place as a team behind regional winner John Battle, Wise Central, and Virginia High School.
Two underclassmen also performed well, with junior Layla Beeber finishing 17th and sophomore Brynlee Woods 24th.
“Katie had a big PR to make it to state as an individual,” commented Hooker. “She really wanted to make it her senior year, and I was very excited and proud of her. Layla barely missed making all-region and qualifying for state. Brynlee ran great, and I’m proud of her for being a two-sport athlete and running XC.
The VHSL Cross Country State Championship will be held on Saturday, November 11th, at Green Hill Park in Salem.
“We have had the goal all year to win a state title, the kids have believed in the workouts, and they have been there every day working hard,” Hooker stated. “We have a great opportunity to be state champions, as well as the other teams. It’s always fun when you have a chance, and I like my team’s chances to bring a state trophy back to Lebanon.”