The Tharptown Wildcats cross country program continues to shine and make its name well-known statewide with a fifth place showing in the Class 1A-2A state meet at Oakville.

The Wildcats finished behind powerhouse programs like Cold Springs, state champions, and Hatton, state runner-up. Sand Rock and St. Luke’s Episcopal finished third and fourth.

Senior runner Jessie Mitchell propelled the Wildcats to their fifth place finish with a time of 17:19.30. Alex Quintero finished 28th with a time of 17:46.09, a personal best. Angel Garcia finished 41st with a time of 18:18.74 and Edwin Vela finished 49th with a time of 18:25.42.

“I am very proud of the Tharptown cross country teams this season. They overcame an unexpected coaching change halfway through the season,” explained Coach Darrel Baker. Baker replaced longtime coach Joseph Brown, who took the same position with Northwest Shoals Community College.

“With great senior leadership from seniors Jessie Mitchell, Edwin Vela, Ricardo Hernandez, Alexa Hawkins and Addie Compton, they continued to practice hard and improve each week,” Baker added. “The boys team posted a first place finish, and the girls placed second at the Athens Bible Invitational. The momentum continued as the boys advanced to state with a second place finish at sectionals. Two girls also made it to state on their individual efforts. So, to say the least, I am very proud of both teams.”

The two girls Baker referenced are Abby Wilson, who finished 33rd overall in the girls 1A-2A meet with a time of 22:22.37, and Addison Compton, who finished with a time of 26:10.50.