The Wolverines secured a Western Highlands Conference 3-Peat at the Western Highlands Cross Country Championships at Jackson Park Oct. 21. Polk also had both individual champions, Sean Doyle with 16:56, and India Godlock with 20:15.

For the out-going seniors Doyle, Mitchell Brown and Jacob Wolfe, this final conference victory added to their repertoire of school records. No PCHS cross country team has enjoyed a 3-peat.

The team’s success hinged on the dedication of Doyle, WHC Conference Champion and Runner of the Year, who topped all competitors. Teammates Mitchell Brown (17:55) and Jacob Wolfe (18:12) took third and fourth respectively, and freshman Caleb Potter (18:55) took seventh, placing four Wolverines in the Top 10 All-Conference performers. Sophomore Connor Holtz (20:38) rounded out the top five scoring drive for the Polk men’s team. The five scored 39 points to win the conference title. Also competing for the Wolverines: Emmett Zacharias (21:42), Luke Collins (23:47), Jackson Hanson (24:20) and Tyler Lawrence (24:21).

The Lady Wolverines placed third behind Hendersonville and Owen lead by Godlock who topped the field by over a minute becoming the Female Conference Runner of the Year. Freshman Mariah Overholt placed tenth (23:10) securing all-conference honors.

Other scorers for Polk were Haven Dufford (24:44), who also doubled as a Wolverine tennis player; Selena Chavez (25:19); and Savannah Robbins (25:26).  Also competing for Polk were Leah Hardin (25:54), Jessica Bailey (25:58), Danielle Holtz (26:29), Izzy Jackson (27:49), Sophie Young (27:52), Drew Bailey (29:41) and Makayla Staley (35:12).

 

The Wolverines will participate in the 2A Regional Championships Saturday, Oct. 31 at Freedom High in Morganton. Boy’s race time is 10 a.m., girls at 11 a.m.

 

-Submitted by Jenny Wolfe