Welch To Lead White Co Cross Country
Records are made to be broken, as the age-old sports quote goes.
White County Cross Country Head Coach Mark Voyles admitted it would be a bittersweet moment when three-sport, superstar athlete Evan Welch, broke his daughter Markie’s school record time of 18:50 that she set back in 2006.
“I think (Welch) will break it this year, she has been training really hard,” Voyles said. “She has one more Tri-Athlon meet this summer and then she will pretty much concentrate on cross country.”
Welch, a sophomore, qualified for state last season with a time of 18:56, but was unable to compete due to a scheduling conflict. Welch was invited to an USA Olympic Tri-Athlon camp at the same time as state competition. As a freshman, Welch qualified and competed at state.
“(Welch) is exceptional, she’s a very talented young lady,” Voyles said. “It’s a tough record. 18:50 for a girl is really moving.”
Ashley Sherrel returns for her senior campaign finally healthy after battling a leg injury last season. Abigale Welch is coming back healthy as well after fighting shin splints all last season.
Junior Katie Anderson was injured early last season and never really got into form. Anderson is two years removed from missing state qualification by one spot, and her health, along with the overall health of the team, will be crucial for Voyles in their new season.
“I think Welch and Anderson will both make state,” Voyles said. “As far as the team, I’m not sure yet. It’s still early in the season.”
The Warriors cross country team will be competing without any boys this season after only having one boy competitor last year. The Warriorettes open competition August 31st in the Mid State Cross Country Association – Voyles Classic at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Estate at 8 am.
