By: Adam Freeman
The Tucker County Mountain Lions wrapped up an incredible cross-country season this past weekend with stellar performances at the State Championship Meet. The team left everything out on the course.
On the girls’ side, freshman phenom Estoria Chase made a spectacular state debut, racing to a 5th-place finish with a time of 21:38. Her fearless performance earned her First Team All-State honors, an amazing achievement for an athlete in her very first year of cross country.
Senior standout Addi Moats closed out her high school career in style, placing 12th overall with a time of 22:51. Moats earned Second Team All-State recognition and posted her best-ever finish at the state meet. This year marked Moats’ fourth straight trip to states, a testament to her talent, consistency, and leadership over the years.
The boys’ team also turned in an impressive showing, finishing 5th overall, just two points shy of fourth place in an ultra-competitive field. Senior Cameron Judy led the charge with a 10th-place finish in 17:41, earning First Team All-State honors and capping off his remarkable four-year career with his best state performance yet.
Right on his heels was Lynk Suesli, who crossed the line in 11th place with a time of 17:42. Suesli claimed Second Team All-State recognition for the second straight year and also set a new personal best at the biggest meet of the season.
Rounding out the Mountain Lions’ strong team effort were Alex Collar (26th, 19:04), Draven Bunnell (39th, 19:59), and William Gilligan, who ran a personal record time of 20:05 to finish 42nd. Every runner played a key role in pushing Tucker County to one of its best collective performances in recent memory.
Coach Michele Mullenax couldn’t have been prouder of her team’s effort and progress. “To have multiple All-State finishers at the biggest meet of the year is something to be proud of,” she said. “These kids have worked hard all season, and it really showed today.”
With a powerful mix of senior leadership and emerging young talent, Tucker County cross country continues to build on its growing tradition of excellence. If this year’s state meet was any indication, the Mountain Lions are poised for even greater success in the years to come.
