MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — The 2016 GHSA State Cross Country Championships were held on Nov. 5 in Carrollton, Georgia at the very challenging Carrollton High School course.  The Georgia Military College Prep School boys’ team concluded their historic season with a strong showing at the State Championships.  The team swept the team title over Seminole County in a close contest; Hunter Kimball led the way by claiming the individual title.  Aaron Kirkland finished the race in second place and Kaylon Farley ended up in ninth place.  Those three were joined by TJ Johnson (14th), Ethan Yopp (21st), Taylor Sherwood (29th) and Jacob Kauzlarich at (36th). 

Head coach Debbie Barsby reflecting on the race said, “The team worked hard all season to put themselves in position to win today.  I am very proud of the boys for accomplishing their goal.  They are a very hardworking group of young men and I am extremely happy that they earned the title of State Champion today.” 

Despite not finishing in the top-7, team members Ryan Barsby, Johnathan Bradley, Michael Barnes, Dylan Smith and Carson Waters were key in the victory.  They were positioned around the course to provide encouragement for the team as they ran for the title.

The race started out with a half-mile climb, followed by some rolling hills, continued along a creek then finishing up a hill called “Heartbreak Hill”. 

Speaking about the course, Johnson said “The hills are hard.  I am grateful that we trained on hills during the season.” 

Kimball grabbed control of the race early on and never let it go.  He finished 40 seconds ahead of his teammate Kirkland.  After the leading two, it got tighter between Seminole County, Gordon Lee and GMC.  Some great running by Farley, Johnson, Yopp, Sherwood, and Kauzlarich allowed the team to emerge victorious. 

This state title was the third time in five years that the GMC boys have won the state championship in Cross Country.   With a team of one senior, three juniors, two sophomores, and one freshman the boys look to be in the hunt for state championships for seasons to come.

Carson Waters, one of the runners who did not run in the state championships, but contributed well to the team all season, said, “It has been a great season, and it feels good to come away as State Champion.” 

Sherwood reflecting on the season had one simple comment “Hoisting up the state championship trophy was an amazing experience.” 

GMC boys won six team races this year including their area meet as well as the state championship.