XC local three win state
Witsell ‘shocked’ by Hawks’ No. 1 finish: Hawkins, Allen lead ‘hard working’ HVA
“Well, I’ve got to say it was a shock,” Witsell said about his Hawks winning the state meet by 29 points versus runner-up Nolensville (88 versus 117) at Sanders Ferry Park Friday afternoon, Nov. 8. Farragut placed third (127).
Led by seniors Garrett Hawkins (fourth-place at 15:40.34), and Gabe Allen (seventh at 15:50.48), Witsell said he re-evaluated his “shock.”
“I do believe that it was predictable by how hard my team has worked over the last couple of years,” the coach said.
“I mean, the amount of improvement that those guys have made — nobody knew who they were coming out of middle school. ... up until last track season,” he added.
Also earning All-state honors was HVA senior Josh Hunt (15th).
Finishing fourth best for the Hawks was junior Cooper Mckaig 37th, followed by senior Sean Brown (41st).
