The 2024 cross country season at Hopkinsville High School (HHS) and Christian County High School (CCHS) showcased remarkable growth and impressive achievements, setting new records and benchmarks for future teams. Under the leadership of Head Coach Whitney Holder, both schools celebrated standout performances, demonstrating the athletes’ dedication, resilience, and competitive spirit.
Historic Achievements for HHS Girls’ Team
The HHS girls’ cross country team made history this season with their outstanding performance at the state championship, finishing 9th place overall—the highest finish in school history based on available records. Leading the charge was Lauren Mayes, who secured 18th place out of 218 runners. Other notable performances included Alexis Herrera Lovato at 46th, Kaydon Coates at 91st, Evelyn Bangart at 103rd, and Rebecca Woods at 124th. Runners Luanna Acree and Ameerah Acree also contributed to this significant team effort.
Exceptional Individual Performances
On the boys’ side, Tyson Cavinder proved himself a formidable competitor, placing 36th out of 260 runners at the state meet. His performance has cemented him as the second-best 5k runner in HHS history, just behind the all-time leader Chase Atkins.
The girls’ team also celebrated major personal milestones, with Lauren Mayes, Kaydon Coates, Rebecca Woods, Alexis Herrera Lovato, and Evelyn Bangart all earning spots in the top 15 of the all-time HHS cross country list for their 5k times.
CCHS Boys’ Team’s State Presence
The HHS boys’ team showed determination and competitive drive, placing 34th at the state meet. The top performers for the team included Michael Webb, Wyatt Fleming, Rex Taggart, JT Miles, and Joseph Parker. These athletes have laid a strong foundation for future success and demonstrated the depth of talent on the team.
Record-Breaking Runners at CCHS
CCHS also celebrated significant achievements this season. Taylor Morris had an impressive run, finishing in the top half of the state meet and earning recognition as the second-best 5k runner in CCHS history, missing the top spot by less than 15 seconds. The boys’ team saw a competitive season with Michael Webb, Wyatt Fleming, JT Miles, Cayden Cline, Bryce Hamlin, and Rex Taggart all making it onto the all-time top 20 list for 5k performances at CCHS.
Reflecting on a Season of Growth
This cross country season was marked by personal bests, school records, and historic team finishes. The accomplishments of both HHS and CCHS runners exemplify their hard work, dedication, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve. With numerous athletes making all-time lists and setting new benchmarks, the future of cross country at both schools looks brighter than ever.
COMMENTS