BCHS runners earn 5th and 10th at region meet

The cross-country season ended a little sooner than hoped for the Banks County runners.

While a trip to Carrollton is not in the future for the Leopard runners, this season was still very productive for both teams as the boys and girls both set fast times around a new home course layout.

Last week at the region championships, the Lady Leopards placed 10th overall. Leading the team were Maggie McCoy (24:42), Kara Murphy (26:23) and Bridget Marlow (27:57). Following close within a two minute block were Marissa Lewis (29:45), Rachel Guthrie (30:42), Janet Preza (31:12) and Karli Perry (31:13).

Jackson County and Jefferson took first and second in the girls’ meet.

The boys also came up a little short from making the trip to the state meet.

Banks County’s boys finished fifth as North Oconee and Dawson County took the top team finishes.

Leading the pack for Banks County was Ivan Diaz taking ninth place individually with an 18:18 finish. The next Leopard runner was Trey Martin who broke inside the top 20 with a 19:05 run. Following their teammates lead, Francisco Hurtado (19:14), Jacob Schaeffer (20:17), Twan Pham (20:25), Viet Pham (21:40), and Dylan Bonillia (21:24) each made strong finishes.

Another standout at the region meet was JV runner Seth McEntire who set a personal best in his final run of the season.