Abigail Topham
Cordova HS
2014
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
18:27 @ FootLocker South 2010 in North Carolina
I have not raced a 3mile
Tell us how your training is going?
It is going well, I am incorporating more distance and speed work. I have increased the mileage, while emphasizing leg speed and core work. The summer has been terrible for the heat, but I really enjoyed cross country camp in Boone, NC.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Our team is larger this year, so one of my goals is to help my team qualify for state. My personal goals include performing well at the Brooks Twilight meet, being a top contender at State and to race well at Footlocker South.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running for 3½ years. I joined my first school team the spring of my 6th grade year for track. My dad is a former England Junior International Runner and was a scholarship athlete at the University of Memphis in the early ‘80s. His love of running inspired me and I had always wanted to run, but 6th grade was my first season of competition.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Yes, I am going to Alabama for Jesse Owens, to Arkansas for the Chili Pepper Festival, and hopefully to Footlocker South in North Carolina.
Favorite course to run in Tennessee?
Shelby Farms in Memphis is my favorite high school course, but my favorite course of all that I have run in the state is the Middle School State Cross Country Course at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville, Tn.
Toughest course in Tennessee?
All of the courses can be tough. Some are flat and require more speed and others are quite hilly requiring more strength. The bottom line is it all depends on the day.
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
Probably FootLocker South because it was wonderful meeting and talking with some of the best runners in the country.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
Winning the State Middle School Cross Country Championship in 2009.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
Hanging out with my friends and watching movies.
Favorite quote?
“That that don’t kill me only makes me stronger.” Kanye West
Will Templeton
Hardin Valley Academy HS
2012
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
Best 5k Time: 15:42, at the Wendy's invitational in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Tell us how your training is going?
Summer training is going very well, just getting in that base that is needed.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
To repeat as state champions as a team, and to repeat individually as well.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since freshman track season when my friend Jake Torgeson saw me training for the freshman basketball team. I remember my first practice when I didn't even know how many laps made a mile and I was running in basketball shoes.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
I will be competing out of state at the Wendy's invitational
Favorite course to run in Tennessee?
My favorite course to run in the state is our own, it just feels like... Home.
Toughest course in Tennessee?
The toughest course in our state in my opinion is the steeplechase course in Nashville, TN, where they hold the Cross Country State Championships. It's very decieving.
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
My favorite race had to be the victor Ashe meet when it absolutely poured down rain on us and it took so much pressure off of the first race of the season, it was alot of fun and got all the guys fired up for the season to come.
Favorite Cross Country memory?
My favorite cross country memory has to be when we won the state title and were all celebrating afterwards.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I like to just get away from it all and spend time with God. I also love hanging out with my friends and family that I've been blessed with.
Favorite quote?
My favorite quote is all of Psalm 23 in the Bible
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Hannah Denton
Dickson County HS
2013
Best times in a 5K and 3 Mile race?
5k- 18.23 at the Footlocker South Regional 2010
Tell us how your training is going?
It is going a lot better now. I had an achilles problem the last half of my track season that caused me to take most of June off to let it heal. I have been slowly increasing my mileage each week. I feel back on track now.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I hope to improve over last year.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
In 5th grade I ran in a county wide elementary school track meet. I ran the longest race of the night, the 800m, and really liked it. That summer I went to the Hershey’s Track and Field Camp held at Dickson County High School and was told I should try Cross Country. I had no clue what it was but, I tried it and really liked it.
Will you be competing out of state this season?
Greenwood Invitational in Bowling Green, KY and Jessie Owens Classic in Oakville, AL
Favorite course to run in Tennessee?
Steeplechase at Percy Warner Park
Toughest course in Tennessee?
Dickson’s home course at Buckner Park
Favorite Cross Country race so far in your high school career?
The Footlocker South Regional
Favorite Cross Country memory?
My favorite memory was the first time I got to stand on the podium for finishing fourth place at the state meet.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I also like biking, sleeping, and hanging out with my friends.
Favorite quote?
“The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare.” — Juma Ikangaa