News Summary

The Jellico High School cross country team is filled with excitement as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 season, inspired by last year’s success and the achievements of standout runner Alhena Dalcerri. Coach Jennifer Seals highlights the invaluable support from the community and announces key athletes such as Eli Alsip, Sophia Lay, and Addie Mae Perkins. New TSSAA rules offer fair competition, enhancing the team’s chances this season. The schedule includes several meets leading up to the final event on October 2, with scholarships awarded to outstanding seniors, Christa Hicks and Savannah Lay.

Excitement Grows in Jellico as High School Cross Country Team Sets Sights on Success!

The small town of Jellico is buzzing with excitement as the Jellico High School cross country team gears up for the 2025 season! The runners are filled with energy and hope, especially after a standout performance last year that sent one of their very own to the prestigious state meet. With the team fueled by inspiration from Alhena Dalcerri’s triumph, there’s a contagious sense of pride among the athletes.

A Season of Opportunity

The head coach, Jennifer Seals, expresses a heartwarming appreciation for the dedicated support she’s received from her staff and the school administration. This strong backing is key as the team pushes towards what they hope will be a banner year. Coach Seals has commented that the enthusiasm brought on by Dalcerri’s achievement has motivated everyone, setting a positive tone right out of the gates.

As the team looks ahead, they have a few key runners to keep an eye on this season. Sophomore Eli Alsip is expected to make a splash, alongside talented females Sophia Lay and Addie Mae Perkins, the latter being a fresh face on the team. These young athletes are performing exceptionally well and are keen to secure their own spot at the state meet this year.

New Changes, New Chances

One of the reasons for the renewed optimism this season lies in a recent shake-up to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) structure. The new rules allow single-A teams to compete separately from double-A schools, which means Jellico’s runners will now be facing off against teams that are more comparable in size. Coach Seals believes this shift will greatly enhance their chances of showcasing their talents on the cross country stage.

Mark Your Calendars!

Running enthusiasts and community members should prepare for an exciting schedule of events for the Jellico cross country team! The season kicks off with the Cherokee Classic on September 6, followed by meets at Oneida on September 9, LMU on September 16, and Norris Dam on September 20. Don’t miss the races at Indian Mountain on September 23, Victor Ashe on September 27, and a return to Oneida on September 30, leading up to the final meet at Cove Lake on October 2.

Scholarship Winners Shine Bright

two thousand dollars in scholarships to two outstanding seniors: Christa Hicks and Savannah Lay. Both young women have distinguished themselves as top students, ranking in the top ten of their class. Christa, the daughter of Chris and Elizabeth Hicks, has made her mark across various activities, including the Beta Club and the Cross Country Team, and is set to study Computer Programming at Roane State.

On the other hand, Savannah, whose proud parents are Morgan and Jennifer Lay, is also a bright student active in multiple sports, including Cross Country, Volleyball, and Basketball. Savannah plans to major in Nursing at the University of the Cumberlands, taking her passion for helping others into her future career.

A Heartfelt Community Effort

The Alumni Association continues to uplift the community by funding their scholarship program through generous donations or by purchasing items for the “Tree of Life” initiative at Jellico High School. This initiative highlights the tight-knit spirit of the town, bringing everyone together to support their young talents as they pursue their academic and athletic dreams.

As excitement continues to build in Jellico, it’s clear that the 2025 Jellico High School cross country team is poised for a memorable year ahead. With fresh talent, a supportive community, and clear goals, it’s going to be an exhilarating ride for these young athletes!

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