Clarkston three-peats at Georgia state meet

By Mary Albl for DyeStat

CARROLLTON, Ga. – The reaction of a third straight state title called for a mini dance party atop the podium, highlighted by a back flip from a member of the Clarkston High boys cross country team on Saturday.

The video on Twitter shows pure jubilation. 

Clarkston, the team from northeast Atlanta, won the program's first ever state title two years ago. They captured audiences and became a team to root with their story: a team of limited resources and a roster chock full of refugees just looking for a chance at a better life. 

Flash forward two years later and Clarkston, led by head coach Wesley Etienne, have found their outlet; running. 

Saturday at Carrollton High, led by Bineyam Tumbo's seventh place finish, Clarkston scored 97 points to win the 5A crown. Runner-up was Starr's Mill with 120 points.

Clarkston had three runners in the top 16, and five in the top 35 to help secure the title.

Individually, Sam Ellis of Decatur won the 5,000-meter race in a time of 16 minutes, 38.61 seconds. 

In the 5A girls race, Erin Leonard of Jones County was the top finisher in 19:17.97.

Woodland Cartersville won the girls team title with 81 points as four runners placed in the top 20.

The fastest times of the two-day state meet belonged in the 3A. East Jackson's Chase Kennedy and Lovett's Serena Tripodi both won their third consecutive state title on Friday. 

Kennedy easily won his race, clocking 16:01.58, and helped lead his team to a state crown, as East Jackson scored an impressive 49 points with three runners in the top 10.

Tripodi crossed the line in a winning time of 18:17.85. Westminster was the top team as they barely edged out Lovett, 46-48. 

Other highlights:

-Marist continued its dominance as one of the top programs in the state, winning its ninth straight 4A crown. Led by Josie Wirtz's first place performance (19:15), Marist placed three runners in the top five and all seven were in the top 21 to score 34 points. Blessed Trinity was runner-up with 112 points. The boys 4A title was won by Ben McCoy of Blessed Trinity (16:24.11). St. Pius X claimed the team trophy with 51 points. Marist was second (72).

-Milton junior Sam Bowers ran the second best time of the day (16:07.35) to win the 7A title.

-Liz Galarza of West Forsyth (18:58.66) won the 7A girls crown. 

-Freshman Mari Jablonski won the 2A crown (21:37.18).

-Senior Carl Ellis Corley claimed the 2A title (17:19.48) and led his team to a state trophy with 43 points.

-The 1A Private team and individual titles went to Landmark Christian boys (39 points) and girls (25). Seth Cruver won in 17:14.33, while senior Nicole Fegans ran 18:36.20 to win. 

-The 1A Public boys title went to Georgia Military College with Hunter Kimball winning in 17:26.99. The Towns County girls edged out Commerce, 73-77 for the 1A Public title. Ali Hay of Pataula Charter (20:57.28) was the top runner.