Lady Arrows Cross Country Off to a Strong Start

By Charlie Rook

Photo Credit Trinity Burge

The Clinton High School girls Cross Country team is off to a strong start to the season after a second place finish at the Ole Brook Invitational, and a fourth place finish in a very deep field at the Fleet Feet Tupelo Invitational. The Lady Arrows roster is composed of only a few upperclassmen, with several freshmen and sophomores the team has gained valuable experience in competitive environments. 

Lady Arrows head coach Allen Marett spoke to how well the girls have competed through the first two meets. “The team is very aggressive, and they want to win,” said Marett. “They want to be the first finisher on the team, and they want to beat the other runners as well. I am extremely proud of the team’s attitude.” 

The Fleet Feet Invitational was the biggest race of the season thus far, and with several freshmen on the roster the team will continue to gain both experience, and a knowledge of race tactics. Marett spoke to the depth of the roster and having the ability to give other runners a chance to shine if an injury does arise. 

Depth is something every great team needs, and with several other talented schools in the state the Lady Arrows look to stay prepared week to week. “Our team is very strong and very talented, but there are 7 other 7A schools that are talented and strong as well, fortunately we do have good depth which will work to our advantage in case of injuries.”

Through the rest of the year the team will compete almost every weekend. With multiple hard efforts throughout the season, Coach Marett has worked the training plan so that the team can stay healthy and run their best at the right time of the season. “Our training will change, but not because of the races,” Said Marett. “We stick to a schedule each year that prepares us to peak in the championship meets.” 

The past meet gave the team a lot of key takeaways, including the need to perform at the team’s best on a week to week basis, and the confidence that this team can compete with anyone in the state. “The takeaway from the meet is that we must be at our best in every competition,” Said Marett, “They also gained confidence, there is not a team that they don’t believe that they can beat.” 

The Lady Arrows next race will be on September 13th, at the French Camp Invitational, in French Camp Mississippi.