Rome High’s boys and girls cross country squads had a strong finish to the season with the girls grabbing the Region 5-5A title and the boys finishing fourth.
Senior Elise Wooddell, who has been on the top or near the top of the podium in almost every race this season, showed out once again covering the 5K course at Chattahoochee Hills in 18:34.
The meet was different this season. Instead of a true region meet with just teams from Rome’s region, the meet served as a sectional meet bringing in teams from four different regions.
While the girls won the region title they finished 14th in sectionals just missing a qualifying spot for next week’s state cross country meet in Carrollton. Only the top 12 teams in sectionals qualified for the meet.
“We had a fantastic season, even though we came up a bit short of our goal to reach state. Both teams gave it their all, with some outstanding performances along the way. Our seniors finished strong, and the team really bonded this year. I’m proud to have coached such a dedicated group,” Rome High Coach Kelly Carter said.
While Wooddell won the region title she finished second in sectionals four seconds behind Pope High School’s Josie Hutchinson. Wooddell’s finish qualifies her to run as an individual in Friday’s Class 5A State Cross Country Championships where she will be one the favorites to get a spot on the podium.
The rest of the Lady Wolves finishers included Addie Cordell, Sarah Beth Bushnell, Hannah Rickman, Charlee Butler, Kat Harter, and Cyan Herrington.
On the boys' side, Clay Sabino and Bo Bushnell led the way helping the team placed fourth in region and 19th in sectionals.
The rest of the Wolves finishers include Owen Hard, Michael Rios-Campos, Juan Loarca-Garcia, Enzo Campbell, and Austin Edwards.