Record Turnout Shines at Jesse Owens Classic
---
This past weekend, over 5,000 runners and 200 cross-country teams made their way to the Oakville Indian Mounds for the Jesse Owens Classic. As athletes from across the region gathered to compete, anticipation filled the air for what promised to be an exhilarating day of racing. With participants ranging from seasoned competitors to aspiring young runners, the event showcased remarkable talent and determination. The scenic course at Oakville Indian Mounds provided a stunning backdrop for both individual and team performances, setting the stage for record-breaking runs and thrilling finishes.
John Shoemaker of Oak Mountain High School claimed victory with an impressive time of 14:56.39, winning after finishing 6th in the race a year ago and becoming one of only two runners to break the 15-minute barrier in this year's event. Following closely behind, Callahan Fielder of Brentwood High School finished strong in second place, clocking in at 14:59.39, while Hazel Green's Bryce McCleary rounded out the top three with a time of 15:00.60.
In the team competition, Farragut High School took home the title for the second consecutive year with a total of 209 points, showcasing depth and consistency with an impressive average time of 16:05 and a narrow 58-second split between their top five runners. Harrison High School closely followed in second place, finishing with 219 points and an average time of 15:59, while Vestavia Hills High School rounded out the top three with 269 points and an average time of 16:15.
| PLACE | TEAM | POINTS | SCORERS | TIMES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Farragut High School | 209 | 12+28+41+43+85 (89+108) | 0:58 1-5 Split | 16:05 Avg |
| 2 |  Harrison High School | 219 | 4+15+58+66+76 (83+136) | 1:22 1-5 Split | 15:59 Avg |
| 3 |  Vestavia Hills HS | 269 | 29+44+55+64+77 (81+93) | 0:33 1-5 Split | 16:15 Avg |
| 4 |  Pearl High School | 287 | 13+62+63+65+84 (103+110) | 0:57 1-5 Split | 16:14 Avg |
| 5 |  Oak Mountain HS | 298 | 1+39+72+80+106 (133+134) | 1:49 1-5 Split | 16:09 Avg |
The girls' race at the Jesse Owens Classic showcased intense competition and outstanding performances, highlighting the depth of talent among the participants. Freshman Paige Comstock of Harrison High School captured the title with a stellar time of 17:36.07, leading the field with a strong finish. Following her closely was Brynn Balturshot from Station Camp High School, who secured second place with a time of 17:48.22. Josie Hutchinson of Pope High School rounded out the top three, finishing in 18:01.16.
The battle for the top five spots was fierce, with Sarah Tole of Auburn finishing fourth in 18:06.99, and Lauren Banovac from Brentwood High School taking fifth with a time of 18:08.94. Her teammate, Lydia Cromwell, followed closely in sixth place at 18:09.69, while Larkin Johnson of Centennial High School rounded out the top seven with a time of 18:09.89.
| PLACE | VIDEO | ATHLETE | TEAM | MARK | POINTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Paige Comstock | 9 | Harrison High School | 17:36.07 | 1 | |
| 2 |  Brynn Balturshot | 11 | Station Camp High School | 17:48.22 | 2 | |
| 3 |  Josie Hutchinson | 11 | Pope High School | 18:01.16 | 3 | |
| 4 |  Sarah Tole | 10 | Auburn | 18:06.99 | 4 | |
| 5 |  Lauren Banovac | 11 | Brentwood High School | 18:08.94 | 5 | |
| 6 | Lydia Cromwell | 12 | Brentwood High School | 18:09.69 | 6 | |
| 7 |  Larkin Johnson | 11 | Centennial High School | 18:09.89 | 7 |
In the team competition, Brentwood High School emerged victorious, securing first place with a total of 60 points. Their impressive performance featured a tight 50-second split between their top five runners, with an average time of 18:24. Pope High School finished second with 129 points and an average time of 18:51, showcasing their strong team effort.
The Brentwood girls have now won the Jesse Owens Classic, the Wingfoot XC Classic, and the Southern Showcase this season so far. They have shown themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the southern region of the US and a potential national title contender.