The Dubs Womens Cross Country team has already proven themselves dominant in the world of North Atlanta Sports. Bringing home the 2021 State Championship solidified them as one of the best teams in NAHS history. That championship could not have been secured without the talents of Catherine Townsend, Ansley McCaffrey, Emery Hailey, and Malley Coogan: the seniors of the Fall 2023 season.
A leader among the pack, Catherine Townsend has served as the team’s captain for the past 2 years. Townsend runs an extraordinary 5:07 mile and an 18:20 5K, so it’s safe to say this Dub has a bright future ahead. “I’m still debating whether I will run in college, but the sport will definitely be a part of my life forever, because it has left such a lasting impact on me,” said Townsend.
Running 4-6 miles every day for months sounds like a nightmare to many. 2023 Co-captain Emery Hailey both agrees and disagrees with this statement. “It definitely takes motivation to go to practice, but we all enjoy it, otherwise we would not do it,” said Hailey. “On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we have easy runs that are 4-5 miles and on Tuesdays and Thursdays we have workout days with long hills or ladder workouts.”
This quartet has been running together for 4 years so it has made for many good memories. Malley Coogan, a standout track and cross-country runner, has had a great time running for the Varsity Dubs. “Not that times have never been bad, but overall, my experience has been great,” said Coogan. “The best part of cross country is the relationships and friendships you make while doing difficult things.”
Races consist of 3.1 miles of trails and waking up at 5 am on a Saturday. Before the 5K race, the team does a mile warmup and then after, a mile cool down. This sport is a challenge, to say the least. “Cross Country races push me to my max, but at the end of the race, I have a deeper belief in myself and my teammates,” said McCaffrey. “I am so thankful for this team, the coaches, and the sport itself for giving me 4 great years of fun and becoming a better athlete.”
As the sun sets on their high school cross country journey, the Dubs Women’s Cross Country team’s legacy shines brightly. The quartet of Townsend, McCaffrey, Hailey, and Coogan leaves behind a trail of memories, bonds, and championships that will forever define their impact on North Atlanta Sports. Their story is a testament to dedication, friendship, and the pursuit of excellence. Make sure to follow @nahs_running_gals on Instagram to keep up with their season! Go Dubs!
