Lindsey, King Bring Home Medals In State Meet
All-State runner Austin King (right) closed out his cross country career with a top finish at the State Meet. Lillian Lindsey begins her high school career, as an eighth grader, with a top finish at the State Meet at the Choctaw Trails at Mississippi College. – Photo by Keli Lindsey
Lindsey, King Bring Home Medals In State Meet
By Sim Ramirez
Water Valley High School
JACKSON – Runners, especially Cross Country runners, embrace the austerity of their sport. They submerse themselves in the Spartan physicality and the sheer force of will that is necessary to run. A cross country runner runs unabated, unheralded and embraces these attributes of their sport.
Unlike other sports, there are no breaks, no substitutions, and no half-times. There is no band that plays, no stadium filled with fans, and definitely no cheerleaders leading raucous revelry. Cross country is a sport for those that are unafraid: unafraid of pain and discomfort, unafraid of pushing their body to its limits and beyond, and unafraid of the thoughts that enter their mind as they run as fast as they can for three miles – three miles of a runner, their body, and their mind.
It is a challenge not fit for the weak nor the faint of heart. And yet, the Water Valley Cross Country team has continued to delve into this sport with a ferocity of spirit that is impressive in its force and and in its camaraderie.
The MHSAA 1A-3A-5A State Cross Country Cham-pionships were held on November 9 at the Choctaw Trails at Mississippi College. The Water Valley Cross Country team, led by coaches Keli Lindsey and Sim Ramirez consisted of 8th graders, running in the high school division, Coulter Clement and Lillian Lindsey; 10th grader, Dante Ramirez; and seniors Austin King, and Cooper Clement. The team represented Water Valley High School and the community impressively, with pride and determination.
Austin King and Lillian Lindsey’s performances at the State Meet resulted in being recognized, and awarded medals, as All-State runners, i.e., finishing in the top tier of the competition. Both runners have led the cross country team with their dedication and their tenacity as competitors. Austin King finishes his high school cross country career with numerous top finishes and school records under his belt. Lillian Lindsey will continue her high school cross country journey as a true ninth grader next year, continuing her way onto the podiums and into the record books.
Although running is a solitary sport and its nemesis is time, no runners could compete without the many hands that support them in their endeavors.
“We had a great season. But we couldn’t have done it without our parents,” Coach Lindsey stated. “We also couldn’t have done it without the kindness of Mechanics Bank and one individual donor who told me she did not want any recognition; they helped us in our time of need. However, we are especially grateful to Alexe van Beuren, of the B.T.C., for her incredible kindness and generosity in her support of the cross country team.” The B.T.C. provided much-needed and delicious sustenance as the team ran all over the state in its quest for personal records and the t-shirts that signify a high-place finish.
Cross country comes to a close for seniors Austin King, Cooper Clement, and Allyson Avant. They have shown the underclassmen what dedication and perseverance does for one’s run times but also for their sense of self. Running is incredibly easy to do, and yet, it requires tremendous fortitude to do well. These runners, this team, of 7th grader, Matthew Dunn; 8th graders Collin Sharp, Coulter Clement, Lillian Lindsey, and Brett Bain; 9th grader, Anna Mills Avant; 10th graders, Clayton Waites and Dante Ramirez; and seniors Cooper Clement, Austin King, and Allyson Avant have proved themselves on these well-worn trails around Mississippi.
