After having become County Champions for the first time since 1993, the MUS cross-country team was prepared to make another big statement, and the region meet at Shelby Farms was the target.
Coach Smith, Coach Tyler, and the Owls were looking to win their sixth-consecutive regional championship last Thursday, October 27, and they accomplished their mission handily, winning with a combined score of 17. MUS runners swept the top four spots, with Donald McClure narrowly defeating his teammates as the other six Owls finished in the top-twenty.
Coach Tyler said that they came into this race with a competitive mindset just like any other race.
“The purpose was still to qualify for state,” he said when asked if they were very confident because of their previous dominations.
The state meet takes place next week on Saturday, November 5, at the Percy Warner Park in Nashville. This race is also one that the Owls have not won in over ten years. However, this year the team is at the top of its performance level, and they would love nothing better than to break that drought.
Coach Tyler said that he would have the team run a light practice schedule this week so their legs can be fairly fresh for Nashville. Tyler is not overconfident, but he knows the squad has a shot at the title.
“There are about 5 or 6 teams capable of winning state this year, and it’s good to know that we’re one of them.”