While the girls’ cross country team put on a dominant state championship performance in 2021, their male counterparts managed to make it onto the podium, finishing third in state. The bittersweet ending made the team hungry for another chance at number one. It is championship or bust this season for the Dubs, who are returning four out of the seven runners from last year, including three seniors. While everyone was sound asleep, the boys were training, going on their 5 a.m. runs throughout the summer. With the work being put in, the Dubs are primed to end the season in Carrollton with medals around their necks.

In order to turn these championship dreams into reality, the Dubs are depending on the leadership of senior captains Sumner Kirsch and Holt Harris and returning varsity runners Truman Thompson and Teddy Meredith. The star-studded team is also joined by three up-and-coming underclassmen: sophomore Cameron Shapiro and freshmen Cabell Townsend and William Wickstrum. This deep team, full of youth and experience, has all the necessary tools to build on the success of last season. “Last year we came so close to achieving our goal, and this summer we put in a lot of work,” said Sumner Kirsch. “With elite legs at the top and the depth to match at the bottom, I think we have what it takes to take it all the way.”

In addition to the new runners being introduced for the start of the 2022 season, the Dubs also have a new coaching staff after last year’s coach, Matthew Farell, moved to New York to seize an opportunity to work with New Balance. The Warriors decided to hire local running guru and director of TrainATL, Jonathan Blair (or “JB” to the XC team), as Coach Farrell’s replacement. “We all loved Coach Farrel and were sad to see him depart, but he had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he had to capitalize on,” said Meredith. “With that being said, Coach JB could be the missing piece and has put us in a position to be successful.”

While the dubs improved significantly over the off-season, the realignment of classifications by GHSA this year could cause some problems for the Dubs. With many historical powerhouses such as Roswell, Blessed Trinity, and Pope entering 6A, the boys will need to put their best foot forward in each race if they want to achieve their goals. “The realignments have made our path to a state championship tougher,” said Harris. “However, we are ready to face anyone and everyone in our path.”

The Dubs are prepared for a long and grueling season full of early morning meets, and with their dedication and experience from top to bottom, they will surely end their season atop the podium, trophy in hand.